Memoir of Marshal Keith

24 EARL MARISCHAL'S CAREER.
he took the part, rise up against him, and when I arrived
there, the stupid murmur had not entirely subsided. He
passed for a man influenced by the prejudices with which
he was inspired by others, and of all the imputations
brought against him it was the most devoid of truth. My
first sentiment, on seeing this venerable old man, was that
of tender commiseration, on account of his extreme leanness
of body, years having already left him little else but skin
and bone ; but, when I raised my eyes to his animated,
open, noble countenance, I felt a respect, mingled with
confidence which absorbed every other sentiment. He
answered the very short compliment I made him when
first I came into his presence by speaking of something
else, as if I had already been a week in his house, He
did not bid us sit down. The stupid Chatelain, th? lord
of the manor, remained standing. For my part I it first
sight saw in the fine and piercing eye of his lordship
something so conciliating that, feeling myself entirely at
ease, I without ceremony took my seat by his side upon
the sopha. By the familiarity of his manner I immediaiely
perceived the liberty I took gave him pleasure, and that he
said to himself : this is not a Neuchatelois. Singular efect
of the similarity of characters ! at an age when the hjart
loses its natural warmth, that of this old man grew warm
by his attachment to me to a degree which surprised erery
body. He came to see me at Motiers under the pretence
of quail shooting, and staid there two days without touch-
ing a gun. We conceived such a friendship for jach
other that we knew not how to live separate : the caste of