Johnson signified his displeasure at Mr.Mason's conduct very strongly; but added, by way of showing that he was not surprised at it, 'Mason's a Whig.' Mrs.Knowles (not hearing distinctly): 'What! a prig, Sir ?' Johnson: 'Worse, Madam; a Whig! But he is both!'" Mr.Murray had considerable intercourse with the publishers of Edinburgh, among the chief of whom were Messrs.

Creech & Elliot, and by their influence he soon established a connection with the professors of Edinburgh University.

Creech, who succeeded Mr.Kincaid in his business in 1773, occupied a shop in the Luckenbooths, facing down the High Street, and commanding a prospect of Aberlady Bay and the north coast of Haddingtonshire.

Being situated near the Parliament House--the centre of literary and antiquarian loungers, as well as lawyers--Creech's place of business was much frequented by the gossipers, and was known as _Creech's Levee_.

Creech himself, dressed in black-silk breeches, with powdered hair and full of humorous talk, was one of the most conspicuous members of the group.