“My DEAR MISS FERRIER—­Ann returned to-day, and part of her Edinburgh news informs me that you meditated honouring your present literary offspring with my name, so I do not let the sun set without saying how much I shall feel myself obliged and honoured by such a compliment.  I will not stand bandying compliments on my want of merit, but can swallow so great a compliment as if I really deserved it, and indeed, as whatever I do not owe entirely to your goodness I may safely set down to your friendship, I shall scarce be more flattered one way or the other.  I hope you will make good some hopes, which make Ann very proud, of visiting Abbotsford about April next.  Nothing can give the proprietor more pleasure, for the birds, which are a prodigious chorus, are making of their nests and singing in blithe chorus.  ’Pray come, and do not make this a flattering dream.’  I know a little the value of my future godchild, since I had a peep at some of the sheets when I was in town during the great snowstorm, which, out of compassion for an author closed up within her gates, may prove an apology for his breach of confidence.  So far I must say that what I have seen has had the greatest effect in making me curious for the rest.

“Believe me, dear Miss Ferrier, with the greatest respect, your most sincere, humble servant,

“WALTER SCOTT.

“Abbortsford, Tuesday Evening.”

In the next note he acknowledges a copy of Destiny, sent him by the author:—­

Sir Walter Scott to Miss Ferrier.

DEAR MISS FERRIER—­If I had a spark of gratitude in me I ought to have written you well-nigh a month ago, to thank you in no common fashion for Destiny, which by the few, and at the same time the probability, of its incidents, your writings are those of the first person of genius who has disarmed the little pedantry of the Court of Cupid and of gods and men, and allowed youths and maidens to propose other alliances than those an early choice had pointed out to them.  I have not time to tell you all the consequences of my revolutionary doctrine.  All these we will talk over when you come here, which I am rejoiced to hear is likely to be on Saturday next, when Mr. Cadell [1] will be happy to be your beau in the Blucher, [2] and we will take care are met with at the toll.  Pray do not make this a flattering dream.  You are of the initiated, so will not be de trop with Cadell.—­I am, always, with the greatest respect and regard, your faithful and affectionate servant,

WALTER SCOTT.

[1] Destiny was published by Cadell through Sir Walter’s intervention, and by it the author realised L1700.

[2] Name of the Stage-coach.

In 1832, the year after the birth of his godchild Destiny, poor Sir Walter began to show signs of that general break-up of mind and body so speedily followed by his death.  Of this sad state Miss Ferrier writes to her sister, Mrs. Kinloch (in London):—­