' He was forthwith elected into the chair, and complimented
in a bumper in his new character.
The claret continued to circulate without interruption, till the
glasses seemed to dance upon the table, and this, perhaps, was a
hint to the ladies to call for music -- At eight in the evening the
ball began in another apartment: at midnight we went to supper;
but it was broad day before I found the way to my lodgings; and,
no doubt, his Lordship had a swinging bill to discharge.
In short, I have lived so riotously for some weeks, that my uncle
begins to be alarmed on the score of my constitution, and very
seriously observes, 'that all his own infirmities are owing to
such excesses indulged in his youth -- Mrs Tabitha says it would be
more to the advantage of my soul as well as body, if, instead of
frequenting these scenes of debauchery, I would accompany Mr
Moffat and her to hear a sermon of the reverend Mr M'Corkindale. --
Clinker often exhorts me, with a groan, to take care of my
precious health; and even Archy M'Alpine, when he happens to be
overtaken (which is oftener the case than I could wish), reads me
a long lecture upon temperance and sobriety; and is so very wise
and sententious, that, if I could provide him with a professor's
chair, I would willingly give up the benefit of his amonitions
and service together; for I was tutor-sick at alma mater.
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