uger's post, or indeed
any other, for whomsoever they might apply. So, seeing whence the
original sin of the affair had sprung, I said nothing; but the same night
I wrote a humiliated letter from myself to the member, telling him how
sorry we all were for the indiscretion that had been used towards him,
and how much it would pleasure me to heal the breach that had happened
between him and the burgh, with other words of an oily and conciliating
policy.

The indignant member, by the time my letter reached hand, had cooled in
his passion, and, I fancy, was glad of an occasion to do away the
consequence of the rupture; for with a most extraordinary alacrity he
procured Mr Scudmyloof the post, writing me, when he had done so, in the
civilest manner, and saying many condescending things concerning his
regard for me; all which ministered to maintain and uphold my repute and
consideration in the town, as superior to that of the provost.

CHAPTER XLIII--MY THIRD PROVOSTRY

It was at the Michaelmas 1813 that I was chosen provost for the third
time, and at the special request of my lord the earl, who, being in ill
health, had been advised by the faculty of doctors in London to try the
medicinal virtues of the air and climate of Sicily, in the Mediterranean
sea; and there was an understanding on the occasion, that I should hold
the post of honour for two years, chiefly in order to bring to a
conclusion different works that the town had then in hand.

At the two former times when I was raised to the dignity, and indeed at
all times when I received any advancement, I had enjoyed an elation of
heart, and was, as I may say, crouse and vogie; but experience had worked
a change upon my nature, and when I was saluted on my election with the
customary greetings and gratulations of those present, I felt a solemnity
enter into the frame of my thoughts, and I became as it were a new man on
the spot. When I returned home to my own house, I retired into my
private chamber for a time, to consult with myself in what manner my
deportment should be regulated; for I was conscious that heretofore I had
been overly governed with a disposition to do things my own way, and
although not in an avaricious temper, yet something, I must confess, with
a sort of sinister respect for my own interests. It may be, that
standing now clear and free of the world, I had less incitement to be so
grippy, and so was thought of me, I very well know; but in