The earl reached Edinburg in the beginning of winter, and in those days an Edinburg winter was a very gay season.

That brilliant society, which has now become a matter of tradition, was then in its zenith.

Those renowned support-parties, where great wits, learned philosophers, and clever and beautiful women met together, a most enjoyable company, were going on almost every night, and drawing into their various small circles every thing that was most attractive in the larger circle outside.
Lord Cairnforth was a long time before he suffered himself to be drawn in likewise; but the business which detained him in Edinburg grew more and more tedious; he found difficulties arise on every hand, and yet he was determined not to leave until he had done all he wanted to do.

Not only in money, but by personal influence, which, now that he tried to use it, he found was considerable, he furthered, in many ways, the interests of Mr.Menteith's sons.

The widow, too, a gentle, helpless woman, soon discovered where to come to, on all occasions, for counsel and aid.