satisfied with this to say a great deal of what I thought, but I
took a quiet step to the bank, where, expressing some doubt of the
goodness of the note, I was informed it was perfectly good, and had
been that very day issued from the bank to one of the gentlemen,
whom, even at this day, it would not be prudent to expose to danger
by naming.

Upon a consultation with the other gentlemen, who had the management
of the ball, it was agreed, that we should say nothing of the gift
of twenty pounds, but distribute it in the winter to needful
families, which was done; for we feared that the authors of the
derision would be found out, and that ill-blood might be bred in the
town.



CHAPTER XXXI--THE BAILIE'S HEAD



But although in the main I was considered by the events and
transactions already rehearsed, a prudent and sagacious man, yet I
was not free from the consequences of envy. To be sure, they were
not manifested in any very intolerant spirit, and in so far they
caused me rather molestation of mind than actual suffering; but
still they kithed in evil, and thereby marred the full satisfactory
fruition of my labours and devices. Among other of the outbreakings
alluded to that not a little vexed me, was one that I will relate,
and just in order here to show the animus of men's minds towards me.