"No," I replied, "I never borrow." "Well," said the landlord, smiling, "you are different from all others that I am acquainted with.

I never yet knew any one else who scrupled to borrow and receive obligations; why, there are two baronets in this neighbourhood who have borrowed money of me, ay, and who have never repaid what they borrowed; and there are a dozen squires who are under considerable obligations to me, who I dare say will never return them.
Come, you need not be more scrupulous than your superiors--I mean in station." "Every vessel must stand on its own bottom," said I; "they take pleasure in receiving obligations, I take pleasure in being independent.

Perhaps they are wise, and I am a fool, I know not, but one thing I am certain of, which is, that were I not independent I should be very unhappy: I should have no visions then." "Have you any relations ?" said the landlord, looking at me compassionately; "excuse me, but I don't think you are exactly fit to take care of yourself." "There you are mistaken," said I, "I can take precious good care of myself; ay, and can drive a precious hard bargain when I have occasion, but driving bargains is a widely different thing from receiving gifts.

I am going to take my horse to Horncastle, and when there I shall endeavour to obtain his full value--ay, to the last penny." "Horncastle!" said the landlord, "I have heard of that place; you mustn't be dreaming visions when you get there, or they'll steal the horse from under you.

Well," said he, rising, "I shall not press you further on the subject of the cheque.