Chapter Day to Deans of D by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Many “De Valmonts” I have witnessed in fifty-four years, but have never seen the equal of Joseph George Holman [1764–1817].—Donaldson.

Dead Pan, a poem by Mrs. Browning (1844), founded on the tradition that at the Crucifixion, when Jesus cried, “It is finished!” the oracles ceased, and a murmur was heard by mariners, “Great Pan is dead!”

Deaf and Dumb (The), a comedy by Thomas Holcroft. “The deaf and dumb” boy is Julio count of Harancour, a ward of M. Darlemont, who, in order to get possession of his ward’s property, abandoned him when very young in the streets of Paris. Here he was rescued by the abbé De l’Epée, who brought him up under the name of Theodore. The boy being recognized by his old nurse and others, Darlemont confessed his crime, and Julio was restored to his rank and inheritance.—Holcroft: The Deaf and Dumb (1785).

Dean of St. Patrick (The), Jonathan Swift, who was appointed to the deanery in 1713, and retained it till his death (1667–1745).

Deans (Douce Davie), the cowherd at Edinburgh, noted for his religious peculiarities, his magnanimity in affection, and his eccentricities.

Mistress Rebecca Deans, Douce Davie’s second wife.

Jeanie Deans, daughter of Douce Davie Deans, by his first wife. She marries Reuben Butler, the presbyterian minister. Jeanie Deans is a model of good sense, strong affection, resolution, disinterestedness. Her journey from Edinburgh to London is as interesting as that of Elizabeth from Siberia to Moscow.

Effie [Euphemia] Deans, daughter of Douce Davie Deans, by his second wife. She is betrayed by George [afterwards sir George] Staunton (called Geordie Robertson), and imprisoned for childmurder. Jeanie goes to the queen and sues for pardon, which is vouchsafed to her, and Staunton does what he can to repair the mischief he had done by marrying Effie, who thus becomes lady Staunton. Soon after this sir George is shot by a gipsy-boy, who proves to be his own son, and Effie retires to a convent on the Continent.—Sir W. Scott: Heart of Midlethian (time, George II.).

(J. E. Millais has a picture of Effie Deans keeping tryst with George Staunton.)

The prototype of Jeanie Deans was Helen Walker, to whose memory sir W. Scott erected a tombstone in Irongray Churchyard (Kirkcudbright).