SEPTEMBER

September 1.—­Awaked with a headache, which the reconsideration of Gibson’s news did not improve.  We save Bonaparte however, and that is a great thing.  I will not be downcast about it, let the worst come that can; but I wish I saw that worst.  It is the devil to be struggling forward, like a man in the mire, and making not an inch by your exertions, and such seems to be my fate.  Well!  I have much to comfort me, and I will take comfort.  If there be further wrath to come, I shall be glad that I bear it alone.  Poor Charlotte was too much softened by prosperity to look adverse circumstances courageously in the face.  Anne is young, and has Sophia and Jane to trust to for assistance.

September 2.—­Wrote this morning, but only two pages or thereabouts.  At twelve o’clock set out with Anne and Walter to visit at Makerstoun, but the road between Makerstoun and Merton being very bad, we drove, I dare say, thirty miles in going and coming, by a circuitous route, and only got home at half-past seven at night.  Saw Lady Brisbane Makdougall, but not Sir Thomas.[333] Thought of old Sir Henry and his older father Sir George.  Received a box of Australian seeds, forwarded by Andrew Murray, now head-gardener to the Governor, whom I detected a clever boy, among my labourers in 1812, and did a little for him.  It is pleasant to see men thrive and be grateful at the same time, so good luck to “Andrew Mora,” as we called him.

September 3.—­Made up my necessary task for yesterday and to-day also, but not more, writing very heavily.  Cousin Archie Swinton came to dinner.  We had a dish of cousinred of course—­and of auld lang syne.[334]

September 4.—­Archie Swinton left us this morning early.  I wrote from seven to half-past two; but, partly that I had five proof-sheets to correct, partly that like old John Fraser[335] “I was not very cleever to-day.”  I made out but a page and a half.

September 5.—­Wrote task and half a page more.  Terry arrived and brought with him a Mr. Bruce, from Persia, with an introduction, forsooth, from Mr. Blackwood.  I will move a quo warranto against this species of introduction; and the good gentleman is to be here, he informs me, for two days.  He is a dark, foreign-looking man, of small stature, and rather blunt manners, which may be easily accounted for by his having been in the East for thirty years.  He has a considerable share of information, and made good play after dinner.

September 6.—­Walter being to return to Ireland for three weeks set off to-day, and has taken Surtees and Charles with him.  I fear this is but a wild plan, but the prospect seemed to make them so happy that I could not find in my heart to say “No” sufficiently peremptorily.  So away they all went this morning to be as happy as they can.  Youth is a fine carver and gilder.