But art thou not ashamed to attempt to interest one who is seeing the world at large, and studying human nature on a large scale, by so bald a narrative?
Why, what does it amount to, after all, but that a Tory laird dined with a Whig lawyer?
no very uncommon matter, especially as you state Mr.Herries to have lost the estate, though retaining the designation.

The laird behaves with haughtiness and impertinence--nothing out of character in that: is NOT kicked down stairs, as he ought to have been, were Alan Fairford half the man that he would wish his friends to think him.

Aye, but then, as the young lawyer, instead of showing his friend the door, chose to make use of it himself, he overheard the laird aforesaid ask the old lawyer concerning Darsie Latimer--no doubt earnestly inquiring after the handsome, accomplished inmate of his family, who has so lately made Themis his bow and declined the honour of following her farther.

You laugh at me for my air-drawn castles; but confess, have they not surer footing, in general, than two words spoken by such a man as Herries?
And yet--and yet--I would rally the matter off, Alan; but in dark nights even the glow-worm becomes an object of lustre, and to one plunged in my uncertainty and ignorance, the slightest gleam that promises intelligence is interesting.

My life is like the subterranean river in the Peak of Derby, visible only where it crosses the celebrated cavern.
I am here, and this much I know; but where I have sprung from, or whither my course of life is like to tend, who shall tell me?
Your father, too, seemed interested and alarmed, and talked of writing; would to Heaven he may!--I send daily to the post-town for letters.
LETTER VIII ALAN FAIRFORD TO DARSIE LATIMER Thou mayst clap thy wings and crow as thou pleasest.