we might not be suddenly interrupted.

"You are a man of experience, Mr M'Lucre," said I, "and have a
knowledge of the world, that a young man, like me, would be a fool
to pretend to. But I have shown you enough to convince you that I
would not be worthy of a trust, were I to answer any improper
questions. Ye maun, therefore, gie me some small credit for a
little discretion in this matter, while I put a question to
yourself. 'Is there no a possibility of getting you made the
provost at Michaelmas, or, at the very least, a bailie, to the end
that ye might be chosen delegate, it being an unusual thing for
anybody under the degree of a bailie to be chosen thereto?'"

"I have been so long in the guildry," was his thoughtful reply,
"that I fear it canna be very well managed without me."

"Mr M'Lucre," said I, and I took him cordially by the hand, "a
thought has just entered my head. Couldna we manage this matter
between us? It's true I'm but a novice in public affairs, and with
the mystery of the guildry quite unacquaint--if, however, you could
be persuaded to allow yourself to be made a bailie, I would, subject
to your directions, undertake the office of dean of guild, and all
this might be so concerted between us, that nobody would ken the
nature of our paction--for, to be plain with you, it's no to be
hoped that such a young counsellor as myself can reasonably expect
to be raised, so soon as next Michaelmas, to the magistracy, and
there is not another in the council that I would like to see chosen
delegate at the election but yourself."

Mr M'Lucre swithered a little at this, fearing to part with the bird