How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
However, majora canamus–the two lads fell in love, and that with the same lady. Mr. Ebenezer, who was the admired and the beloved, and the spoiled one, made, no doubt, mighty certain of the victory; and when he found he had deceived himself, screamed like a peacock. [. . .] Your father, Mr. David, was a kind gentleman; but he was weak, dolefully weak; took all this folly with a long countenance; and one day–by your leave!–resigned the lady. She was no such fool, however; it's from her you must inherit your excellent good sense; and she refused to be bandied from one to another. (28.5)
This is how Rankeillor explains the love triangle between Ebenezer, Alexander, and Davie's mother. Are you surprised that Alexander, Davie's father, would be willing to "resign" the lady in Ebenezer's favor? Why might he think it appropriate to hand over the woman he loves to his brother? Is this taking family loyalty a little too far?
Quote #8
"The estate is yours beyond a doubt," replied the lawyer. "It matters nothing what your father signed, you are the heir of entail. But your uncle is a man to fight the indefensible; and it would be likely your identity that he would call in question. A lawsuit is always expensive, and a family lawsuit always scandalous; besides which, if any of your doings with your friend Mr. Thomson were to come out, we might find that we had burned our fingers. The kidnapping, to be sure, would be a court card upon our side, if we could only prove it. But it may be difficult to prove; and my advice (upon the whole) is to make a very easy bargain with your uncle, perhaps even leaving him at Shaws where he has taken root for a quarter of a century, and contenting yourself in the meanwhile with a fair provision." (28.11)
Here, Rankeillor is suggesting that, to protect both Davie's own reputation as a member of the house of Shaws and to avoid bringing "Mr. Thomson" (Alan) into the law courts, Davie should settle his family business with Ebenezer directly. This is pretty much the only example in the book of a conflict within a family rather than between families. Is this a comment on Lowland versus Highland family values?
Quote #9
My uncle cleared his throat. "I'm no very caring," says he. "[Davie] wasnae a good lad at the best of it, and I've nae call to interfere." (29.16-17)
Ebenezer responds to the (fake) news that Davie is being held captive by Highlanders by washing his hands of him. But he does draw the line at having Davie killed. We guess that's something, at least. Again, we don't see this kind of family betrayal among the Highland families Stevenson portrays. What accounts for this difference between Highland and Lowland families?