December 24.—­Left Arniston after breakfast and arrived to dinner at Abbotsford.

My reflections on entering my own gate were of a very different and more pleasing cast than those with which I left my house about six weeks ago.  I was then in doubt whether I should fly my country or become avowedly bankrupt, and surrender my library and household furniture, with the liferent of my estate, to sale.  A man of the world will say I had better done so.  No doubt had I taken this course at once, I might have employed the L25,000 which I made since the insolvency of Constable and Robinson’s houses in compounding my debts.  But I could not have slept sound as I now can, under the comfortable impression of receiving the thanks of my creditors and the conscious feeling of discharging my duty like a man of honour and honesty.  I see before me a long tedious and dark path, but it leads to true fame and stainless reputation.  If I die in the harrows, as is very likely, I shall die with honour; if I achieve my task I shall have the thanks of all concerned, and the approbation of my own conscience.  And so I think I can fairly face the return of Christmas Day.

December 25.—–­ I drove over to Huntly Burn, and saw the plantation which is to be called Janeswood, in honour of my daughter-in-law.  All looking well and in order.  Before dinner, arrived Mrs. George Ellis and her nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ellis, whom I was delighted to see, as there are a thousand kind recollections of old days.  Mrs. George Ellis is less changed in manner and appearance than any one I know.  The gay and light-hearted have in that respect superiority over those who are of a deeper mould and a heavier.  There is something even in the slightness and elasticity of person which outlasts the ponderous strength which is borne down by its own weight.  Colonel Ellis is an enthusiastic soldier:  and, though young, served in Spain and at Waterloo.

    “And so we held our Christmastide
    With mirth and burly cheer.”

December 26.—­Colonel Ellis and I took a pretty long walk round by the glen, etc., where I had an extraordinary escape from the breaking down of a foot-bridge as I put my foot upon it.  I luckily escaped either breaking my leg by its passing through the bridge in so awkward a manner, or tearing it by some one of the hundred rusty nails through which it fell.  However, I was not, thanks to Heaven, hurt in the slightest degree.  Tom Purdie, who had orders to repair the bridge long since, was so scandalised at the consequence of his negligence that the bridge is repaired by the time I am writing this.  But how the noiseless step of Fate dogs us in our most seeming safe and innocent sports.

On returning home we were joined by the Lord Chief-Commissioner, the Lord Chief Baron, and William Clerk, of gentlemen; and of ladies, Miss Adam and young Miss Thomson of Charlton.  Also the two Miss Kerrs, Lord Robert’s daughters, and so behold us a gallant Christmas party, full of mirth and harmony.  Moreover, Captain John Ferguson came over from Huntly Burn, so we spent the day jocundly.  I intend to take a holiday or two while these friends are about us.  I have worked hard enough to merit it, and