Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/78

68 the mere grounds of suspicion or mercenary information—Some nonsense about your proposing to enter into the service of France, or of the Pretender, I don't recollect which, but which the Marquis of A, one of your best friends, and another person, one of your worst and most interested enemies, could not, some how, be brought to listen to."

"I am obliged to my honourable friend—and yet"—shaking the Lord Keeper's hand—"and yet I am still more obliged to my honourable enemy."

"Inimicus amicissimus," said the Lord Keeper, returning the pressure; "but this gentleman—this Mr Haystoun of Bucklaw—I am afraid the poor young man—I heard the fellow mention his name—is under very bad guidance."

"He is old enough to govern himself," answered the Master.

"Old enough, perhaps, but scarce wise enough, if he has chosen this fellow for his fidus Achates. Why, he lodged an