I lodged with my lord, with whom I was encouraged to familiarity; had my place at entertainments; was presented to the chief guests; and altogether made more of than I thought accorded either with my parts or station; so that, on strangers being present, I would often blush for Prestongrange.

It must be owned the view I had taken of the world in these last months was fit to cast a gloom upon my character.

I had met many men, some of them leaders in Israel whether by their birth or talents; and who among them all had shown clean hands?
As for the Browns and Millers, I had seen their self-seeking, I could never again respect them.

Prestongrange was the best yet; he had saved me, had spared me rather, when others had it in their minds to murder me outright; but the blood of James lay at his door; and I thought his present dissimulation with myself a thing below pardon.

That he should affect to find pleasure in my discourse almost surprised me out of my patience.