arches.  The oak screen dropped as from the clouds:  it is most acceptable; I might have guessed there was only one kind friend so ready to supply hay to my hobby-horse.  You have my views in these matters and your own taste; and I will send the needful when you apprise me of the amount total.  Where things are not quite satisfactory, it is better to wait a while on every account, for the amusement is over when one has room for nothing more.  The house is completely roofed, &c., and looks worthy of Mrs. Terry’s painting.  I never saw anything handsomer than the grouping of towers, chimneys, &c. upon the roof, when seen at a proper distance.

Once more, let me wish you joy of your professional success.  I can judge, by a thousand minute items, of the advance you make with the public, just as I can of the gradual progress of my trees, because I am interested in both events.  You may say, like Burke, you were not ‘coaxed and dandled into eminence’ but have fought your way gallantly, shown your passport at every barrier, and been always a step in advance, without a single retrograde movement.  Every one wishes to advance rapidly, but when the desired position is gained, it is far more easily maintained by him whose ascent has been gradual, and whose favour is founded not on the unreasonable expectations entertained from one or two seasons, but from an habitual experience of the power of pleasing during several years.  You say not a word of poor Wattles.  I hope little Miss has not put his nose out of joint entirely.

I have not been very well—­a whoreson thickness of blood, and a depression of spirits arising from the loss of friends (to whom I am now to add poor Wedderburne), have annoyed me much; and Peveril will, I fear, smell of the apoplexy.  I propose a good rally, however, and hope it will be a powerful effect.  My idea is, entre nous, a Scotch archer in the French King’s guard, tempore Louis XI, the most picturesque of all times.

TO J.B.S.  MORRITT

A brave face to the world

Edinburgh, 6 Feb. 1826.

MY DEAR MORRITT,

It is very true I have been, and am in danger, of a pecuniary loss, and probably a very large one, which in the uncertainty I look at as to the full extent, being the manly way of calculating such matters, since one may be better, but can hardly be worse.  I can’t say I feel overjoyed at losing a large sum of hard-earned money in a most unexpected manner, for all men considered Constable’s people secure as the Bank; yet, as I have obtained an arrangement of payment convenient for every body concerned, and easy for myself, I cannot say that I care much about the matter.  Some economical restrictions I will make; and it happened oddly that they were such as Lady Scott and myself had almost determined upon without this compulsion.  Abbotsford will henceforth be our only establishment; and during the time I must