But drink and cards failed with the Deacon, and at the Vintner's of his
frequentation he encountered accomplices proper for his schemes. Never
was so outrageous a protest offered against domesticity. Yet Brodie's
resolution was romantic after its fashion, and was far more respectable
than the blackguardism of the French Revolution, which distracted
housewifely discontent a year after the Deacon swung. Moreover, it gave
occasion for his dandyism and his love of display. If in one incarnation
he was the complete gentleman, in another he dressed the part of the
perfect scoundrel, and the list of his costumes would have filled one of
his own ledgers.
But, when once the possibility of housebreaking was taken from him, he
returned to his familiar dignity. Being questioned by the Procurator
Fiscal, he shrugged his shoulders, regretting that other affairs
demanded his attention. As who should say: it is unpardonable to disturb
the meditations of a gentleman. He made a will bequeathing his knowledge
of law to the magistrates of Edinburgh, his dexterity in cards and dice
to Hamilton the chimney-sweeper, and all his bad qualities to his good
friends and old companions, Brown and Ainslie, not doubting, however,
that their own will secure them 'a rope at last.' In prison it was his
worst complaint that, though the nails of his toes and fingers were not
quite so long as Nebuchadnezzar's, they were long enough for a
mandarin, and much longer than he found convenient.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192