# Postscript explained — Midwinter > Chapter companion for Midwinter by John Buchan. ## What happens The editor concludes Mr. Derwent's papers, noting that Alastair Maclean disappears into the mist after the farewell on Cumberland moor. A discovered letter from Samuel Johnson, dated around 1748, reveals Johnson's repayment of a loan and his reflections on their shared adventures, the vanity of human wishes, and the enduring friendship that shaped both men. Johnson also reports that Lady Norreys is well, has a son, and is treated kindly by her husband, news that Alastair receives with selfless affection. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Sacrifice Alastair's affection for Lady Norreys is purged of selfishness; he rejoices in her welfare as a sister, burying his heart in her domestic felicity. ### Romantic Idealism vs. Harsh Reality Johnson reflects on the vanity of human wishes and the sorrow that accompanies noble endeavor, contrasting the ideal of friendship with the reality of loss. ### Honor and Duty Johnson learns from Alastair that a man can be gay yet resolute, and a Christian capable of fortitude, highlighting duty in the face of adversity. ## Character check-ins ### Alastair Maclean Lost to us in the mist after the farewell on Cumberland moor; did not fall at Culloden or swing at Carlisle; recipient of Johnson's letter in France. ### Mr. Samuel Johnson Writes a letter from Gough Square in 1748, repaying a loan and reflecting on their shared Odyssey; working on his great dictionary. ### Lady Norreys Reported by Johnson to be well, with a husband now a better name in the shire, and blessed with a male child. ### Mr. Sebastian Derwent His papers form the basis of the narrative; the editor discovered a further document among his archives. ## Key lines > Thus far Mr. Derwent's papers. With the farewell on the Cumberland moor Alastair Maclean is lost to us in the mist. This concludes Mr. Derwent's writings. After the goodbye on Cumberland moor, Alastair Maclean disappears from our view. _The editor marks the end of the main narrative and Alastair's departure._ > I send by your kinsman the second moiety of the loan which you made me at our last meeting, for I assume that, like so many of your race and politics now in France, you are somewhat in straits for money. I am sending the second half of the loan you gave me at our last meeting, as I imagine you, like many of your countrymen and political allies now in France, are short of funds. _Johnson repays a loan, acknowledging Alastair's likely financial difficulties in exile._ > You taught me that a man can be gay and yet most resolute, and that a Christian is not less capable of fortitude than an ancient Stoic. You showed me that a person can be cheerful while being determined, and that a Christian can be as brave as any ancient Stoic. _Johnson credits Alastair with teaching him about joy combined with resolve and Christian courage._ > The end was a proof, if proof were wanted, of the vanity of human wishes, but sorrow does not imply failure, and my memory of it will not fade till the hour of death and the day of judgment. The outcome demonstrated the emptiness of human desires, but sadness does not mean failure, and I will remember it until I die and face judgment. _Johnson reflects on the futility of their efforts but affirms the lasting value of their friendship._ > I do not forget that you have buried your heart in that monument to domestic felicity. Our Master did not place us in this world to win even honest happiness, but to shape and purify our immortal souls, and sorrow must be the companion of the noblest endeavour. I remember that you have invested your heart in that symbol of happy family life. God did not put us here to achieve even legitimate happiness, but to refine our souls, and sorrow accompanies the highest efforts. _Johnson consoles Alastair about his love for Lady Norreys, framing suffering as part of spiritual growth._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midwinter_se/chapters/postscript - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midwinter_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midwinter_se/chapters