, and well-bred, though plain demeanour,
whose name he discovered to be Butler. It had been no part of Sir George's plan
to take his brother-in-law into his confidence, and he had rejoiced exceedingly
in the assurances he received from his wife, that Mrs. Butler, the very soul of
integrity and honour, had never suffered the account he had given of himself at
Willingham Rectory to transpire, even to her husband. But he was not sorry to
have an opportunity to converse with so near a connection, without being known
to him, and to form a judgment of his character and understanding. He saw much,
and heard more, to raise Butler very high in his opinion. He found he was
generally respected by those of his own profession, as well as by the laity who
had seats in the Assembly. He had made several public appearances in the
Assembly, distinguished by good sense, candour, and ability; and he was followed
and admired as a sound, and, at the same time, an eloquent preacher.
    This was all very satisfactory to Sir George Staunton's pride, which had
revolted at the idea of his wife's sister being obscurely married. He now began,
on the contrary, to think the connection so much better than he expected, that,
if it should be necessary to acknowledge it, in consequence of the recovery of
his son, it would sound well enough that Lady Staunton had a sister, who, in the
decayed state of the family, had married a Scottish clergyman, high in the
opinion of his countrymen, and a leader in the church.
    It was with these feelings, that, when the Lord High Commissioner's company
broke up, Sir George Staunton, under pretence of prolonging some inquiries
concerning the constitution of the Church of Scotland, requested Butler to go
home to his lodgings in the Lawnmarket, and drink a cup of coffee. Butler agreed
to wait upon him, providing Sir George would permit him, in passing, to call at
a friend's house where he resided, and make his apology for not coming to
partake her tea. They proceeded up the High Street, entered the Krames, and
passed the begging-box, placed to remind those at liberty of the distresses of
the poor prisoners. Sir George paused there one instant, and next day a £20 note
was found in that receptacle for public charity.
    When he came up to Butler again, he found him with his eyes fixed on the
entrance of the Tolbooth, and apparently in deep thought.
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