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I punished the Prince on this occasion by not taking the slightest notice of him, at which he appeared very much chagrined. When the maids of honour passed I bowed to them, which they very kindly acknowledged. I saw them looking after me quite delighted, and evidently in love with me. I followed the royal party to Balmoral, and as I always endeavour to unite business with pleasure I sold goods on the way, and turned a little money. On reaching Balmoral I got lodgings in the house of a shepherd. I got up in the morning and went to the castle, where I fell in with the maids of honour. They spoke to me and were perfectly delighted with me. I think they would have gone the length of proposing marriage, but at that moment Her Majesty appeared on horseback, and we had to separate, which was, no doubt, a great trial to them. After that I went into the Royal Boot and Shoe Shop, at Balmoral, to sell goods, and while there two gentlemen came in, who priced several of my articles, and entered into conversation with me, and seemed much surprised at my general intelligence and information, seeing, as they said, that I was not an elector. They appeared very anxious to know the state of political feeling in Paisley, regarding parliamentary reform. I told them that since assisting to pass the Reform Bill, I had taken little or no interest in politics. One of them said “Paisley is the most enlightened place in the country.” “No doubt of it (said the other), it gives
