In the passage, Dougal reflects on the value of MacFarlane House, realizing that it is worth significantly more than he had initially believed, especially compared to his estate near Stirling. This newfound understanding leads him to reconsider the situation, acknowledging the true potential of the land he once acquired.

However, Shelton disagrees with Dougal, suggesting he is under a spell or has lost touch with reality, hinting that Dougal is not making a rational decision. This exchange emphasizes the conflicting perspectives between Dougal’s reassessment of value and Shelton's warning against being overly infatuated with the property.