Bonnie Lasses

Nearly a hundred years ago there was a Laird of Combie who, whatever good qualities he had, could not number amongst them that of honesty. He was, indeed, notorious for the want of it. In the same district lived a Highland lady who was distinguished both for her probity and
benevolence, but was sadly lacking in good looks.

On one occasion when the Laird of Combie was (as
often happened ) one of the guests at a dinner party in the house, he rose, after several toasts had been
drunk, and said he would propose another, for which
he would ask the guests to fill their glasses. He then, with a twinkle in his eye implying that he was going to propose something witty, said, turning to the hostess,

“I propose the old Scottish toast, Honest men and bonnie lasses,’” and, bowing to the hostess, resumed his seat.

The lady returned his bow with her usual amiable smile, and taking up her glass, replied, “Well, Combie, I am sure we may both of us drink that, for it will neither apply to you nor to me.”

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