Barnes was surprised at his master's patience on both occasions,
knowing by experience how little he brooked neglect or delay; but
the Dominie was in every respect a privileged person. His patron
and he were never for a moment in each other's way, and it seemed
obvious that they were formed to be companions through life. If
Mannering wanted a particular book, the Dominie could bring it; if
he wished to have accounts summed up or checked, his assistance
was equally ready; if he desired to recall a particular passage in
the classics, he could have recourse to the Dominie as to a
dictionary; and all the while this walking statue was neither
presuming when noticed nor sulky when left to himself. To a proud,
shy, reserved man, and such in many respects was Mannering, this
sort of living catalogue and animated automaton had all the
advantages of a literary dumb-waiter.

As soon as they arrived in Edinburgh, and were established at the
George Inn, near Bristo Port, then kept by old Cockburn (I love to
be particular), the Colonel desired the waiter to procure him a
guide to Mr. Pleydell's, the advocate, for whom he had a letter of
introduction from Mr. Mac-Morlan. He then commanded Barnes to have
an eye to the Dominie, and walked forth with a chairman, who was
to usher him to the man of law.

The period was near the end of the American war. The desire of
room, of air, and of decent accommodation had not as yet made very
much progress in the capital of Scotland. Some efforts had been
made on the south side of the town towards building houses WITHIN
THEMSELVES, as they are emphatically termed; and the New Town on
the north, since so much extended, was then just commenced. But
the great bulk of the better classes, and particularly those