Who is popular today?

There was something of a distasteful joke in the Humbie family. Father, Alexander Humbie had come to harm as a child. One busy Saturday, as he was crossing the crowded streets of the Lawn Market, he was trampled by a passing horse and cart. Pain – yes. Tears – of course. But, nonetheless, the young Alexander – aged 10 – proceeded to make the delivery on time. It was only later that evening, when the pain had become unbearable for the lad, that the doctor required to be sent for. Arrived, shook his head – and promptly amputated the child’s left pinkie toe. The joke was that they ought to employ that same horse to drag the son, Harry Humbie, out of bed in the morning. Then, as the boy grew, it was sometimes noted (in whispers) that the boy Harry began to treat his father with a measure of disdain. Superiority laced with a touch of mild disgust. Like a wealthy Gentleman might treat a jobbing Tradesman.