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WEIRD SISTERS. 



CHAPTER I. 



In a land where doctors were few and far between, 

 the ancient Dames who presided over the advent of 

 " Troublesome Pleasures," were an important and in- 

 fluential class. 



They were not only sick-nurses. They were wise 

 women and sibyls. They acted as physicians, lawyers, 

 priests, and were consulted in all emergencies. They 

 meddled in everybody's affairs, and knew the secrets of 

 all their neighbours. 



Thus their power was unlimited, and when they 

 chanced to be ignorant or unscrupulous (as was too 

 often the case), their actions were the reverse of 

 commendable. 



In the Shetland Isles women do not adopt their 

 husbands' surnames, and the title of " Mrs." was never 

 given to a peasant's wife. She who lived to see her 

 children's children grown-up had the respectful appella- 

 tion of Minnie (grandmother) prefixed to her christian 

 name ; while the nurse and wise-woman was always 



