I spoke of living in the country, and upon what footing one should be with neighbours.  I observed that some people were afraid of being on too easy a footing with them, from an apprehension that their time would not be their own.  He made the obvious remark, that it depended much on what kind of neighbours one has, whether it was desirable to be on an easy footing with them, or not.  I mentioned a certain baronet, who told me, he never was happy in the country, till he was not on speaking terms with his neighbours, which he contrived in different ways to bring about.  ’Lord ----------(said he) stuck long; but at last the fellow pounded my pigs, and then I got rid of him.’  JOHNSON.  ’Nay, Sir, My Lord got rid of Sir John, and shewed how little he valued him, by putting his pigs in the pound.’

I told Dr. Johnson I was in some difficulty how to act at Inverary.  I had reason to think that the Duchess of Argyle disliked me, on account of my zeal in the Douglas cause[946]; but the Duke of Argyle had always been pleased to treat me with great civility.  They were now at the castle, which is a very short walk from our inn; and the question was, whether I should go and pay my respects there.  Dr. Johnson, to whom I had stated the case, was clear that I ought; but, in his usual way, he was very shy of discovering a desire to be invited there himself.  Though from a conviction of the benefit of subordination[947] to society, he has always shewn great respect to persons of high rank, when he happened to be in their company, yet his pride of character has ever made him guard against any appearance of courting the great.  Besides, he was impatient to go to Glasgow, where he expected letters.  At the same time he was, I believe, secretly not unwilling to have attention paid him by so great a Chieftain, and so exalted a nobleman.  He insisted that I should not go to the castle this day before dinner, as it would look like seeking an invitation.  ’But, (said I,) if the Duke invites us to dine with him to-morrow, shall we accept?’ ‘Yes, Sir;’ I think he said, ‘to be sure.’  But, he added, ‘He won’t ask us!’ I mentioned, that I was afraid my company might be disagreeable to the duchess.  He treated this objection with a manly disdain:  ’That, Sir, he must settle with his wife.’  We dined well.  I went to the castle just about the time when I supposed the ladies would be retired from dinner.  I sent in my name; and, being shewn in, found the amiable Duke sitting at the head of his table with several gentlemen.  I was most politely received, and gave his grace some particulars of the curious journey which I had been making with Dr. Johnson.  When we rose from table, the Duke said to me, ’I hope you and Dr. Johnson will dine with us to-morrow.’  I thanked his grace; but told him, my friend was in a great hurry to get back to London.  The Duke, with a kind complacency, said, ’He will stay one day; and I will take care he shall see this place to advantage.’  I said, I should be sure