The Heart of Mid-Lothian Volume 2 Chapter 21

In which the tender affections of Jeanie and Butler are tempered by David Deans’s grave reflections on marriage amidst troubled times, while the sorrowful tidings of Effie’s flight cast a heavy shadow over the family’s hopes. They are soon introduced to the brusque yet good-natured Captain of Knockdunder, whose earthly concerns and commanding manner bring a lively contrast to their solemn discourse as they prepare for the morrow’s duties.