"If it's ill news, the laddie should speak in and tell auld Miss Jean."
"Miss Jean is unco frail."
"Miss Jean is ower at Saughleas."
"And is it Captain Horne? And when did it happen?"
"Puir woman! Her turn has come at last!" Many voices took up the "ill
news," telling it gravely till it went through the throng. Even those
who had got their own safe home again, spoke their welcome gravely,
thinking of her who had to hear heavy tidings.