This made a total breach between two relations who had never been friends, and though I was afterwards of considerable service to his family, he kept his ill-humour, alleging justly enough that I did these kind actions for the sake of his wife and family, not for his benefit.  I now saw him at the age of eighty-two or three deposited in the ancestral grave.  Dined with my cousins, and returned to Abbotsford about eight o’clock.

May 24, [Edinburgh].—­Called on my neighbour Nicol Milne of Faldonside, to settle something about the road to Selkirk.  Afterwards went to Huntly Burn and made my compliments to the family.  Lunched at half-past two and drove to town, calling at George Square on Gala.  He proposed to give up the present road to Selkirk in favour of another on the north side of the river, to be completed by two bridges.  This is an object for Abbotsford.  In the evening came to town.  Letter from Mr. H[aydon] soliciting L20.  Wait till Lockhart comes.

May 25.—­Got into the old mill this morning, and grind away.  Walked in very bad day to George Square from the Parliament House, through paths once familiar, but not trod for twenty years.  Met Scott of Woll and Scott of Gala, and consulted about the new road between Galashiels and Selkirk.  I am in hopes to rid myself of the road to Selkirk, which goes too near me at Abbotsford.  Dined at Lord Chief Commissioner’s, where we met the new Chief Baron Abercromby[361] and his lady.  I thought it was the first time we had met for above forty years, but he put me in mind we had dined one day at John Richardson’s.

May 26.—­Wrought with proofs, etc., at the Demonology, which is a cursed business to do neatly.  I must finish it though, for I need money.  I went to the Court; from that came home, and scrambled on with half writing, half reading, half idleness till evening.  I have laid aside smoking much; and now, unless tempted by company, rarely take a cigar.  I was frightened by a species of fit which I had in February, which took from me my power of speaking.  I am told it is from the stomach.  It looked woundy like palsy or apoplexy.  Well, be it what it will, I can stand it.[362]

May 27.—­Court as usual.  I am agitating a proposed retirement from the Court.  As they are only to have four instead of six Clerks of Session in Scotland, it will be their interest to let me retire on a superannuation.  Probably I shall make a bad bargain, and get only two-thirds of the salary, instead of three-fourths.  This would be hard, but I could save between two and three hundred pounds by giving up town residence; and surely I could do enough with my time at reviews and other ways, so as to make myself comfortable at Abbotsford.  At any rate, jacta est aha; Sir Robert Peel and the Advocate seem to acquiesce in the arrangement, and Sir Robert Dundas retires alongst with me.  I think the difference will be infinite in point of health and happiness.