Scotchmen are proverbial for their caution.
Mr. MacTavish attended a christening where the hospitality of the host knew no bounds except the several capacities of the guests. In the midst of the celebration Mr. MacTavish rose up and made rounds of the company, bidding each a profound farewell.
But, Sandy, man, objected the host, "ye're not goin' yet, with the evenin' just started?"
Nay, said the prudent MacTavish. "I'm no' goin' yet. But I'm tellin' ye good-night while I know ye all."