The Chevalier will speak for itself.

M., from Melrose, for Mr. L.

X. for a certain personage on whom we called one day, who lives a slight distance from town, and who was then unwell.

O. for the political Puck.

MR. CHRONOMETER will speak for itself, at least to all those who give
African dinners.

I think this necessary, and try to remember it.  I am quite delighted with Edinburgh, Its beauties become every moment more apparent.  The view from the Calton Hill finds me a frequent votary.  In the present state of affairs, I suppose it will not be expedient to leave the letter for Mrs. Bruce.  It will seem odd; p.p.c. at the same moment I bring a letter of introduction.  If I return to Edinburgh, I can avail myself of it.  If the letter contains anything which would otherwise make Mrs. Murray wish it to be left, let me know.  I revel in the various beauties of a Scotch breakfast.  Cold grouse and marmalade find me, however, constant.

Ever yours,

B.D.

The letter of Mr. Lockhart, to which Mr. Disraeli refers, ran as follows: 

Mr. J.G.  Lockhart to Mr. B. Disraeli.

“The business to which the letter [of Mr. Wright] refers entitles it to much consideration.  As yet I have had no leisure nor means to form even an approximation towards any opinion as to the proposal Mr. W. mentions, far less to commit my friend.  In a word, I am perfectly in the dark as to everything else, except that I am sure it will give Mrs. Lockhart and myself very great pleasure to see Mr. Disraeli under this roof....  If you had no other object in view, I flatter myself that this neighbourhood has, in Melrose and Abbotsford, some attractions not unworthy of your notice.”

Mr. Disraeli paid his promised visit to Chiefswood.  It appeared that Mr. Lockhart expected to receive Mr. Isaac D’Israeli, the well-known author of “The Curiosities of Literature”; instead of which, the person who appeared before him was Mr. D’Israeli’s then unknown son Benjamin.

Mr. B, Disraeli to John Murray.

CHIEFSWOOD, September 25, 1825.

MY DEAR SIR,

I arrived at Chiefswood yesterday.  M. [Lockhart] had conceived that it was my father who was coming.  He was led to believe this through Wright’s letter.  In addition, therefore, to his natural reserve, there was, of course, an evident disappointment at seeing me.  Everything looked as black as possible.  I shall not detain you now by informing you of fresh particulars.  I leave them for when we meet.  Suffice it to say that in a few hours we completely understood each other, and were upon the most intimate terms.  M. enters into our views with a facility and readiness which were capital.  He thinks that nothing can be more magnificent or excellent; but two points immediately occurred:  First, the difficulty of his leaving Edinburgh without any ostensible purpose; and, secondly, the losing caste in society by so doing.  He is fully aware that he may end by making his situation as important as any in the empire, but the primary difficulty is insurmountable.