Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush

The setting reveals a small community grappling with the changes brought by the Revolution, showcasing the establishment of a School Board in Drumtochty. Young Hillocks, with his legal background, serves as the clerk, organizing meetings despite the members' familiarity. The proceedings are marked by a mix of solemnity and awkwardness, particularly when discussing mundane expenditures like a coal-cellar door. This highlights the contrast between the gravity of their roles and the triviality of their discussions, reflecting the complexities of local governance.