ME5I0IR OF BRUCE. 
23 
from the impaired state of liis health to return 
home, by the advice of his physician, in quest of 
fresh air and exercise. This simple prescription 
restored his constitution ; and it was now deter- 
mined that he should abandon the legal profession, 
as its drudgeries were beyond his strength, and not 
likely after all to ensure success. 
For several years Bruce remained idle, without 
aiming at any particular line of life ; India was at 
last suggested as a field suited to his ardent imagi- 
nation ; hut as he was considerably above the age 
for receiving a writership from the Company, he 
resolved to petition the Court of Directors for leave 
to settle under its patronage as a free trader. In 
July, 1753, he left Scotland for London, with a 
view to carry this plan into execution. On his 
arrival he met with the most cordial reception from 
his former friends and acquaintances ; and while 
waiting in suspense for the permission of the Direc- 
tors, a new object took possession of his heart, 
which speedily obliterated all thoughts of foreign 
travel in pursuit of wealth or business. This was 
an elegant and accomplished young lady, named 
Adriana Allan, daughter of a widow, whose hus- 
band, an eminent wine-merchant, liad raised himself 
to opulence by his steadiness and integrity. Bruce 
had been introduced to her by one of his com- 
panions; her engaging manners and affectionate 
disposition soon won Ms love; their regard was 
mutual; and as the mother’s consent was easily 
obtained, the marriage took place (Feb. 3, 1754), 
