“DEAR SKENE,—­I observe from the papers that our invaluable friend is no more.  I have reason to think, that as I surmised when I saw him last, the interval has been a melancholy one, at least to those who had to watch the progress.  I never expected to see his kind face more, after I took leave of him in Charlotte Square; yet the certainty that such must be the case is still a painful shock, as I can never hope again to meet, during the remaining span of my own life, a friend in whom high talents for the business of life were more happily mingled with all those affections which form the dearest part of human intercourse.  In that respect I believe his like hardly is to be found.  I hope Mrs. Skene and you will make my assurance of deep sympathy, of which they know it is expressed by a friend of poor Colin of fifty years’ standing.

“I hope my young friend, his son, will keep his father’s example before his eyes.  His best friend cannot wish him a better model.

“I am just setting off to the West for a long-promised tour of a week.  I shall be at Abbotsford after Monday, 27th current, and I hope Mrs. Skene and you, with some of our young friends, will do us the pleasure to come here for a few days.  We see how separations may happen among friends, and should not neglect the opportunity of being together while we can.  Besides, entre nous, it is time to think what is to be done about the Society, as the time of my retirement draws nigh, and I am determined, at whatever loss, not to drag out the last sands of my life in that sand-cart of a place, the Parliament House.  I think it hurt poor Colin.  This is, however, subject for future consideration, as I have not breathed a syllable about resigning the Chair to any one, but it must soon follow as a matter of course.[C]

“Should you think of writing to let me know how the distressed family are, you may direct, during the beginning of next week, to Drumlanrig, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

“My kind love attends my dear Mrs. Skene, girls, boys, and all the family, and I am, always yours,

“WALTER SCOTT.

“ABBOTSFORD, 18th September [1830].”

[C] Sir Walter had been President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh for some years; his resignation was not accepted, and he retained the office until he died.

[396] Much Ado about Nothing, Act III.  Sc. 5.

[397] 1 King Henry IV., Act III.  Sc. 1.

[398] The biography here spoken of was not published.

[399] Sir Walter had seats placed at suitable distances between the house and Chiefswood.

[400] Titus Andronicus, Act IV.  Sc. 2.

[401] For an account of these “miracles” see Peace in Believing—­a memoir of Isabella Campbell of Fernicarry.  Roseneath, 8vo, 1829.

[402] Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, addressed to J.G.  Lockhart, Esq., was published before the end of the year in Murray’s Family Library.