He spoke of you by name, Mr.Balfour, and declared his gratitude beforehand in case you would be led by those who understand your own interests and those of the country so much better than yourself.

Gratitude is no empty expression in that mouth: _experto crede_.

I daresay you know something of my name and clan, and the damnable example and lamented end of my late father, to say nothing of my own errata.

Well, I have made my peace with that good Duke; he has intervened for me with our friend Prestongrange; and here I am with my foot in the stirrup again and some of the responsibility shared into my hand of prosecuting King George's enemies and avenging the late daring and barefaced insult to his Majesty." "Doubtless a proud position for your father's son," says I.
He wagged his bald eyebrows at me.

"You are pleased to make experiments in the ironical, I think," said he.