RAB AND HIS FRIENDS 



more tenderly, more like a gentleman, than 

 did James the Howgate carrier, when he 

 lifted down Ailie, his wife. The contrast 

 of his small, swarthy, weather-beaten, 

 keen, worldly face to hers pale, subdued, 

 and beautiful was something wonderful. 

 Rab looked on concerned and puzzled, 

 but ready for anything that might turn up 

 were it to strangle the nurse, the porter, 

 or even me. Ailie and he seemed great 

 friends. 



" As I was sayin', she's got a kind o* 

 trouble in her breest, doctor ; wull ye tak' a 

 look at it ? " We walked into the consulting- 

 room, all four ; Rab grim and comic, willing 

 to be happy and confidential if cause could be 

 shown, willing also to be the reverse, on the 

 same terms. Ailie sat down, undid her open 

 gown and her lawn handkerchief round her 

 neck, and, without a word, showed me her 

 right breast. I looked at and examined it 

 carefully she and James watching me, and 

 Rab eyeing all three. What could I say ? 



24 



