In short, I will not sell on a rainy day, as our proverb says.  I have communicated my resolution to Cadell, to whom, no doubt, it will be a disappointment, for which I am sorry, but cannot help it.

March 14.—­Had a very sensible and good-humoured answer from Mr. Cadell, readily submitting to my decision.  He mentions, what I am conscious of, the great ease of accomplishing, if the whole is divided into two halves.  But this is not an advantage to me, but to them who keep the books, and therefore I cannot be moved by it.  It is the great advantage of uniformity, of which Malachi Malagrowther tells so much.  I do not fear that Mr. Cadell will neglect the concern because he has not the large share in it which he had in the other.  He is, I think, too honest a man.  He has always shown himself every way willing and ready to help me, and verily he hath his reward; and I can afford him on that property a handsome percentage for the management.  But if his fate was to lose considerably by this transaction, I must necessarily be a sufferer; if he be a great gainer, it is at my expense, so it is like the children’s game of “Odds I win, evens you lose”—­so will say no more about it.  I think I will keep my ground nearly, so these cursed politics do not ruin the country.  I am unable to sit at good men’s boards, and Anne has gone to Mertoun to-day without me.  I cannot walk or ride but for a mile or two.  Naboclish! never mind.  I am satisfied that I am heart-whole as a biscuit, and I may live to see the end of those affairs yet.  I am driving on the Count of Paris right merrily.  I have plenty of leisure, and vive la plume!  I have arranged matters as I think for the best, so will think no more about it.

March 16.—­The affair with Mr. Cadell being settled, I have only to arrange a set of regular employment for my time, without over-fatiguing myself.  What I at present practise seems active enough for my capacity, and even if I should reach the threescore and ten, from which I am thrice three years distant, or nearer ten, the time may pass honourably, usefully, and profitably, both to myself and other people.  My ordinary runs thus:—­Rise at a quarter before seven; at a quarter after nine breakfast, with eggs, or in the singular number, at least; before breakfast private letters, etc.; after breakfast Mr. Laidlaw comes at ten, and we write together till one.  I am greatly helped by this excellent man, who takes pains to write a good hand, and supplies the want of my own fingers as far as another person can.  We work seriously at the task of the day till one o’clock, when I sometimes walk—­not often, however, having failed in strength, and suffering great pain even from a very short walk.  Oftener I take the pony for an hour or two and ride about the doors; the exercise is humbling enough, for I require to be lifted on horseback by two servants, and one goes with me to take care I do not fall off and break