The stranger's dress was, though grave, rather richer than usual. His
paned hose were of black velvet, lined with purple silk, which
garniture appeared at the slashes. His doublet was of purple cloth,
and his short cloak of black velvet, to correspond with his hose; and
both were adorned with a great number of small silver buttons richly
wrought in filigree. A triple chain of gold hung round his neck; and,
in place of a sword or dagger, he wore at his belt an ordinary knife
for the purpose of the table, with a small silver case, which appeared
to contain writing materials. He might have seemed some secretary or
clerk engaged in the service of the public, only that his low, flat,
and unadorned cap, and his well-blacked, shining shoes, indicated that
he belonged to the city. He was a well-made man, about the middle
size, and seemed in firm health, though advanced in years. His looks
expressed sagacity and good-humour: and the air of respectability
which his dress announced, was well supported by his clear eye, ruddy
cheek, and grey hair. He used the Scottish idiom in his first address,
but in such a manner that it could hardly be distinguished whether he
was passing upon his friend a sort of jocose mockery, or whether it
was his own native dialect, for his ordinary discourse had little
provincialism.
In answer to the queries of his respectable friend, Ramsay groaned
heavily, answering by echoing back the question, "What ails me, Master
George? Why, every thing ails me! I profess to you that a man may as
well live in Fairyland as in the Ward of Farringdon-Without.
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