"Come away, and sit down beside me here, Inchrory," said the Earl, "for I always keep the benmost seat in my own house." "Right!--right, my Lord!" said Inchrory, seating himself beside the Earl, and taking his hand and shaking it heartily, without any sort of ceremony; "you are quite right, my Lord; that is exactly my rule. Every man should have the benmost seat in his own house." "You see that Luath hath not forgotten you," said the Earl, as the great dog was manifesting his joy at seeing his old master. "By my faith you have him in good quarters here!" said Inchrory, observing that a quadruple fold of carpet had been spread for the animal close in front of the fire. "The best I can give him, Inchrory," said the Earl; "as, next to his late master, he deserves the best at my hands. Here, bring the bottle! Inchrory must taste the Earl of Fife's bottle! And, do you hear, bring something for Inchrory to stay his hunger with after his long ride!" Immediately, as if by magic, several footmen entered with a table covered with the richest viands and wines, which was placed close to Inchrory's chair and that of the Earl. By especial order a bottle of whisky appeared among the other liquors. "Here's to ye, Inchrory!" said the Earl, after filling himself a glass of whisky, and drinking to his guest with a hearty shake of his hand. And,-- "Here's to you, my Lord," cried Inchrory, following his example in a bumper of the same liquor. Inchrory had no reason to complain of his entertainment during the time he was at Mar Lodge. The Earl gave orders that every thing should be done to please him; and the little man was highly pleased, and as proud as a peacock. Amongst other things, hunting parties were made in all directions through the neighbouring forests; and although these were by no means expressly got up for him, yet he was always brought so prominently forward on all such occasions, that, in his pride, he believed, like the fly on the pillar, that the very world was moving for him, and for him alone.