seventh day these same men will hear one of their
ministers seriously tell them that he views taking a walk on the Sabbath
in the light of an act of profanity, and will be the only people in
existence who can let a man talk downright nonsense without laughing at
him.

I am not clever enough to be able to account for this anomaly in the
national character; I can only notice it by way of necessary preparation
for the appearance in my little narrative of a personage not frequently
seen in writing--a cheerful Scotchman.

In all other respects I found Mr. Playmore only negatively remarkable.
He was neither old nor young, neither handsome nor ugly; he was
personally not in the least like the popular idea of a lawyer; and he
spoke perfectly good English, touched with only the slightest possible
flavor of a Scotch accent.

"I have the honor to be an old friend of Mr. Macallan," he said,
cordially shaking hands with me; "and I am honestly happy to become
acquainted with Mr. Macallan's wife. Where will you sit? Near the light?
You are young enough not to be afraid of the daylight just yet. Is this
your first visit to Edinburgh? Pray let me make it as pleasant to you
as I can. I shall be delighted to present Mrs. Playmore to you. We are
staying in Edinburgh for a little while. The Italian opera is here, and
we have a box for to-night. Will you kindly waive all ceremony and dine
with us and go to the music afterward?"

"You are very kind," I answered. "But I have some anxieties just now
which will make me a very poor companion for Mrs. Playmore at the opera.
My letter to you mentions, I think, that I have to ask your advice on
matters which are of very serious importance to me."

"Does it?" he rejoined. "To tell you the truth, I have not read the
letter through. I saw your name in it, and I gathered from your message
that you wished to see me here. I sent my note to your hotel--and then
went on with something else. Pray pardon me. Is this a professional
consultation? For your own sake, I sincerely hope not!"

"It is hardly a professional consultation, Mr. Playmore. I find myself
in a very painful position; and I come to you to advise me, under very
unusual circumstances. I shall surprise you very much when you hear what
I have to say; and I am afraid I shall occupy more than my fair share of
your time."

"I and my time are entirely at your disposal," he said. "Tell me what I
can do for you--and tell it in your own way."