"But," said he, "receiving this money will not be
incurring an obligation, it is your due." "I do not think so,"
said I; "I did not engage to serve you for money, nor will I take
any from you." "Perhaps you will take it as a loan?" said he.
"No," I replied, "I never borrow." "Well," said the landlord,
smiling, "you are different from all others that I am acquainted
with. I never yet knew any one else who scrupled to borrow and
receive obligations; why, there are two baronets in the
neighbourhood who have borrowed money of me, ay, and who have never
repaid what they borrowed; and there are a dozen squires who are
under considerable obligations to me, who I dare say will never
return them. Come, you need not be more scrupulous than your
superiors--I mean in station." "Every vessel must stand on its own
bottom," said I; "they take pleasure in receiving obligations, I
take pleasure in being independent. Perhaps they are wise, and I
am a fool, I know not, but one thing I am certain of, which is,
that were I not independent I should be very unhappy: I should
have no visions then." "Have you any relations?" said the
landlord, looking at me compassionately; "excuse me, but I don't
think you are exactly fit to take care of yourself." "There you
are mistaken," said I, "I can take precious good care of myself;
ay, and can drive a precious hard bargain when I have occasion, but
driving bargains is a widely different thing from receiving gifts.
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