"I have not that honour," said his lordship, with a smile. "But I must admit that you don't give yourself a good character, anyhow."
"I hae nane to gie," said Jock, with the same impassible look.
"On my word," added his lordship, "I think you're honest!"
"It's mair," said Jock, "than onybody else thinks. But if I had wark, I'm no' sure but I wad be honest!"
His lordship said nothing, but stared at Hall as if measuring him from head to foot. Jock returned his gaze. It was as if two different portions of a broken-up world had met. His lordship felt uncertain whether to deal with Jock as a fool or as a reprobate. He still inclined to the opinion that he had "a want", and accordingly continued his catechism, asking,--
"What would you like to have?"
"It's no' for me tae say," replied Jock; "beggars shouldna be choosers."
"Perhaps you would have no objection to have this fine house--eh?" asked his lordship, with a smile.
"I'll no' say that I wad," replied Jock.
"And what would you make of it?"