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Kay's Originals Vol. 2

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EIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 231 ing a floor, he would exclaim-‘‘ Dear sirs, she’ll wear all the boards rubbing them so.” There was one friend on whom he called, sufficiently particular in matters of this kind, who insisted that he must wipe his feet well before he came in. “You remind me,” said Andrew, “of my nephew’s servant-maid who would not allow me to enter the house until I had put off my shoes. Indeed I used to tell her she was abominably cleanly.” Many still living must remember having heard of a Mr. Low in Dunfermline, much famed for his success in setting broken bones, and adjusting dislocations. His cures were performed gratis ; and his aid was only to be obtained through the mediation of a friend, or for mercy’s sake. A gentleman in the medical profession, hearing Andrew speak in approbation of some of Mr, Low’s cases, expressed his distrust in such a practitioner, since he had not studied anatomy. “Ay, that’s true,” replied Andrew, “ but Low acquired his anatomy at the grave’s m.outh “-referring to his inspection of the bones as cast up by the grave-digger. Of the simplicity and anchorite-like demeanour of Andrew Donaldson, there are several curious reminiscences. The late Dr. Charles Stuart-father of James Stuart, Esq., of Dunearn-had for some time meditated withdrawing from the Established Church before he actually did so. Hearing of his intention, although entirely unacquainted with him, Andrew resolved on paying a visit to the manse of Cramond, of which parish the Doctor was then minister. Taking his long staff in his hand, and “ girding up his loins,” as he would himself have expressed it, he set out on his journey early one forenoon. When near to Cramond, and not exactly certain whereabout the manse stood, he observed two well-dressed men walking in a field near to where he supposed it should be. Towards them he bent his course ; and, as he approached with his bald head, flowing beard, and pilgrim’s staff, the gentlemen were at first so struck with his singular appearance, that they were irresolute whether to retreat or await his advance. On nearing them, he inquired if they could inform him where Charles Stuart, minister of Cramond, lived 1 To this one of the party replied, “ I an1 C’harles Stuart, the person you refer to.” “Then,” said Andrew, extending his arm to grasp the hand of the Doctor, “ I have heard that thou dost intend separating thyself from the Church, and hast set thy face heavenward-I wish thee God speed ! ” So saying, he wheeled about and proceeded on his return to Edinburgh, leaving the worthy Doctor and his friend not less astonished at the nature of the brief interview, than curious as to the character of their visitor. The result of the Doctor’s inquiry as to this singular enthusiast having been favourable, he became ever after his steady and warm friend. Andrew remained all his days a bachelor; but that he was not altogether a misogamist, is testified by the fact, that he at one time entertained the idea of venturing upon the cares of wedlock. In the habit .of visiting at the house of Bailie Horn, in Dunfermline, he had observed and been pleased with the deportment of the servant-maid, with whom he occasionally entered into conversation. At length he addressed her in his usual laconic style, stating his Andrew could occasionally say a good thing. ,
Volume 9 Page 307
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