FOOTNOTES: 

[361] James Abercromby, who succeeded Sir Samuel Shepherd as Chief Baron, was the third son of Sir Ralph Abercromby.  He was afterwards elected member for Edinburgh in 1832, and Speaker of the House of Commons in 1835.  On Mr. Abercromby’s retirement in 1839, he was raised to the Peerage as Lord Dunfermline.  He died at Colinton House on April 17th, 1858, aged 81.

[362] Of this illness, Sir Walter had written the following account to Mr. Lockhart, a week after its occurrence:—­

“Anne would tell you of an awkward sort of fit I had on Monday last; it lasted about five minutes, during which I lost the power of articulation, or rather of speaking what I wished to say.  I revived instantly, but submitted to be bled, and to keep the house for a week, except exercising walks.  They seem to say it is from the stomach.  It may or may not be a paralytic affection.  We must do the best we can in either event.  I think by hard work I will have all my affairs regulated within five or six years, and leave the means of clearing them in case of my death.  I hope there will be enough for all, and provision besides for my own family.  The present return of the novels to me is about L8000 a year, which moves fast on to clear off old scores.

“This awkward turn of health makes my motions very uncertain.  On the one hand I want to save money and push forward work, both which motives urge me to stay at home this spring.  On the other, besides my great wish to see you all, and besides my desire to look at the ‘forty-five’ affairs, I am also desirous to put in for my interest upon the changes at the Court....  It must be very much as health and weather shall determine, for if I see the least chance of a return of this irritation, my own house will be the only fit place for me.  Do not suppose I am either low-spirited or frightened at the possibilities I calculate upon, but there is no harm in looking at what may be as what needs must be.  I really believe the ugly symptoms proceed from the stomach particularly.  I feel, thank God, no mental injury, which is most of all to be deprecated.  Still, I am a good deal failed in body within these two or three last years, and the singula praedantur come by degrees to make up a sum.  They say, ‘Do not work,’ but my habits are such that it is not easily managed, for I would be driven mad with idleness....  Adieu.  Love to all.  The odds are greatly against my seeing you till you come down here, but I will have the cottage in such order for you; and as Will Laidlaw comes back at Whitsunday, I will have him to lend me an arm to Chiefswood, and I have no doubt to do gallantly.

“EDINBURGH, 22d February [1830].”

[363] His grand-daughter, Charlotte, whom he playfully named after the fairy in the old Scottish Nursery story.

[364] Mr. Lockhart had some thoughts of entering Parliament, at this time, and Sir Walter had expressed his opinion a few days before their meeting:—­