walked Mr. Pleydell with great activity, diving through closes and
ascending covered stairs in order to attain the High Street by an
access which, compared to the common route, was what the Straits
of Magellan are to the more open but circuitous passage round Cape
Horn.

On looking at the notes of introduction which Pleydell had thrust
into his hand, Mannering was gratified with seeing that they were
addressed to some of the first literary characters of Scotland.
'To David Hume, Esq.'

To John Home, Esq.' 'To Dr. Ferguson.' 'To Dr. Black.' 'To Lord
Kaimes.' 'To Mr. Button.' 'To John Clerk, Esq., of Eldin.' 'To
Adam Smith, Esq.' 'To Dr. Robertson.'

'Upon my word, my legal friend has a good selection of
acquaintances; these are names pretty widely blown indeed. An
East-Indian must rub up his faculties a little, and put his mind in
order, before he enters this sort of society.'

Mannering gladly availed himself of these introductions; and we
regret deeply it is not in our power to give the reader an account
of the pleasure and information which he received in admission to
a circle never closed against strangers of sense and information,
and which has perhaps at no period been equalled, considering the
depth and variety of talent which it embraced and concentrated.

Upon the Thursday appointed Mr. Pleydell made his appearance at
the inn where Colonel Mannering lodged. The venison proved in high
order, the claret excellent, and the learned counsel, a professed