Yes, Scotchmen still drink hard; and if they only consecrated to Venus half—nay, one tenth—of the time that they consecrate to Bacchus, Scotchwomen would be the most envied women in the world.
Donald is theological in his cups: that is to say, the Bible, which every true Scot is full of, comes up as the whisky goes down; so that when the said whisky has floated the Bible, the Scotchman begins to discuss the most subtle biblical questions.
This is how the evening is passed in Scotland.
Dinner is served about seven. After dessert, the ladies retire to the drawing-room while the gentlemen finish their wine, smoke, and take coffee. This done, they join the ladies in the drawing-room, where tea is served, and an hour or so passed in conversation and music. At eleven, the gentlemen return to the dining-room or go to the library. Whisky and cigars are brought, and the fête begins. Several times, when the master of the house beckoned to me to follow him from the drawing-room, I tried to make him understand that I was very contented in the company of the ladies; but it was useless. He would generally take my arm and say:
"Come along!"
As who should say:
"Enough of that; you are a man, are you not? Come and pass the evening in manly fashion."
There was nothing to do but follow.
I pleaded all kinds of excuses to avoid this part of the entertainment.