cannot for my life see for what other purpose it can be," thought
he. "He never offers to attempt my life; nor dares he, if he had the
inclination; therefore, although his manner is peculiarly repulsive
to me, I shall not have my mind burdened with the reflection that
my own mother's son yearned for a reconciliation with me and
was repulsed by my haughty and insolent behaviour. The next
time he comes to my hand, I am resolved that I will accost him as
one brother ought to address another, whatever it may cost me;
and, if I am still flouted with disdain, then shall the blame rest
with him."

After this generous resolution, it was a good while before his
gratuitous attendant appeared at his side again; and George began
to think that his visits were discontinued. The hope was a relief
that could not be calculated; but still George had a feeling that it
was too supreme to last. His enemy had been too pertinacious to
abandon his design, whatever it was. He, however, began to
indulge in a little more liberty, and for several days he enjoyed it
with impunity.

George was, from infancy, of a stirring active disposition and
could not endure confinement; and, having been of late much
restrained in his youthful exercises by this singular persecutor, he
grew uneasy under such restraint, and, one morning, chancing to
awaken very early, he arose to make an excursion to the top of
Arthur's Seat, to breathe the breeze of the dawning, and see the
sun arise out of the eastern ocean. The morning was calm and
serene; and as he walked down the south back of the Canongate,
towards the Palace, the haze was so close around him that he
could not see the houses on the opposite side of the way. As he