December 4.—­Had the agreeable intelligence that Lord Newton had finally issued his decree in my favour, for all the money in the bank, amounting to L32,000.  This will make a dividend of six shillings in the pound, which is presently to be paid.  A meeting of the creditors was held to-day, at which they gave unanimous approbation of all that has been done, and seemed struck by the exertions which had produced L22,000 within so short a space.  They all separated well pleased.  So far so good.  Heaven grant the talisman break not!  I sent copy to Ballantyne this morning, having got back the missing sheets from John Lockhart last night.  I feel a little puzzled about the character and style of the next tale.  The world has had so much of chivalry.  Well, I will dine merrily, and thank God, and bid care rest till to-morrow.  How suddenly things are overcast, and how suddenly the sun can break out again!  On the 31st October I was dreaming as little of such a thing as at present, when behold there came tidings which threatened a total interruption of the amicable settlement of my affairs, and menaced my own personal liberty.  In less than a month we are enabled to turn chase on my persecutors, who seem in a fair way of losing their recourse upon us. Non nobis, Domine.

December 5.—­I did a good deal in the way of preparing my new tale, and resolved to make something out of the story of Harry Wynd.  The North Inch of Perth would be no bad name, and it may be possible to make a difference betwixt the old Highlander and him of modern date.  The fellow that swam the Tay, and escaped, would be a good ludicrous character.  But I have a mind to try him in the serious line of tragedy.  Miss Baillie has made the Ethling[87] a coward by temperament, and a hero when touched by filial affection.  Suppose a man’s nerves supported by feelings of honour, or say by the spur of jealousy supporting him against constitutional timidity to a certain point, then suddenly giving way,—­I think something tragic might be produced.  James Ballantyne’s criticism is too much moulded upon the general taste of novels to admit, I fear, this species of reasoning.  But what can one do?  I am hard up as far as imagination is concerned, yet the world calls for novelty.  Well, I’ll try my brave coward or cowardly brave man. Valeat quantum.  Being a teind day, remained at home, adjusting my ideas on this point until one o’clock, then walked as far as Mr. Cadell’s.  Finally, went to dine at Hawkhill with Lord and Lady Binning.  Party were Lord Chief-Commissioner, Lord Chief-Baron, Solicitor, John Wilson, Lord Corehouse.  The night was so dark and stormy that I was glad when we got upon the paved streets.

December 6.—­Corrected proofs and went to Court.  Bad news of Ahab’s case.  I hope he won’t beat us after all.  It would be mortifying to have them paid in full, as they must be while better men must lie by. Spero meliora.