lass of society; and though
the dandies occasionally cast a rude glance at the mother, the look of
calm and settled sorrow which she invariably at such times cast upon her
child seemed to touch even them, and to disarm their coarseness. On the
other side of the widow sat a young gentleman of plain yet prepossessing
exterior, who seemed especially to attract the notice of the dandies.
His surtout was not absolutely threadbare, but it had evidently seen
more than one season; and I could perceive many contemptuous looks
thrown upon it by the gentlemen in the Belcher handkerchiefs. The young
gentleman carried a small portmanteau in his hand, so small, indeed,
that it could not possibly have contained more than a change of linen.
This article also appeared to arrest the eyes of the sprigs of fashion
opposite, whose wardrobes, in all probability, were more voluminous:
whether they were paid for or not, might be another question.

The coach having stopped at the village of Corstorphine, for the purpose
of taking up an inside passenger, the guard, observing that the young
gentleman carried his portmanteau in his hand, asked leave to put it
into the boot, to which he immediately assented. 'Put it fairly in the
centre, guard,' said one of the dandies. 'Why so, Tom?' inquired his
companion. 'It may capsize the coach,' rejoined the first,--a sally at
which both indulged in a burst of laughter, but of which the owner of
the portmanteau, though the blood mounted slightly into his cheek, took
no notice whatever.

The morning being fine at our first setting out, the ride was peculiarly
pleasant. The dandies talked of horses and dogs, and fowling-pieces and
percussion-caps, every now and then mentioning the names of Lord John
and Sir Harry, as if their acquaintance lay among the great ones of the
land. Once or twice I thought I saw an expression of contempt in the
countenance of the young gentleman in the surtout, but in this I might
be mistaken. His attention was evidently most directed to the mourner
beside him, with whom he appeared anxious to get into conversation, but
to lack for a time a favourable opportunity.

While we were changing horses at the little village of Uphall, an aged
beggar approached, and held out his hat for alms. The dandies looked at
him with scorn. I gave him a few halfpence; and the young widow, poor as
she seemed, was about to do the same, when the young gentleman in the
surtout laid his hand gently on her