No doubt, he had been supping
liberally; but his mind and tongue were under full control.
"Well, sir, sit ye down," said he, "and let us see Pilrig's
letter."
He glanced it through in the beginning carelessly, looking up and
bowing when he came to my name; but at the last words I thought I
observed his attention to redouble, and I made sure he read them
twice. All this while you are to suppose my heart was beating, for
I had now crossed my Rubicon and was come fairly on the field of
battle.
"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Balfour," he said,
when he had done. "Let me offer you a glass of claret."
"Under your favour, my lord, I think it would scarce be fair on
me," said I. "I have come here, as the letter will have mentioned,
on a business of some gravity to myself; and, as I am little used
with wine, I might be the sooner affected."
"You shall be the judge," said he. "But if you will permit, I
believe I will even have the bottle in myself."
He touched a bell, and a footman came, as at a signal, bringing
wine and glasses.
"You are sure you will not join me?" asked the Advocate.
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