[139] Life of Bonaparte. (?)

[140] “In the management of his Trust,” Mr. Gibson remarks, “everything went on harmoniously—­the chief labour devolving upon myself, but my co-Trustees giving their valuable aid and advice when required.”—­Reminiscences, p. 16.

[141] The total liabilities of the three firms amounted in round numbers to nearly half-a-million sterling.  Sir Walter, as the partner of Ballantyne and Co., was held responsible for about L130,000;—­this large sum was ultimately paid in full by Scott and his representatives.  The other two firms paid their creditors about 10 per cent, of the amounts due.  It must be kept in mind, however, as far as Constable’s house was concerned, that their property appears to have been foolishly sacrificed by forced sales of copyrights and stock.

[142] Mr. Gordon was at this time Scott’s amanuensis; he copied, that is to say, the MS. for press.—­J.G.L.

FEBRUARY.

February 1.—­A most generous letter (though not more so than I expected) from Walter and Jane, offering to interpose with their fortune, etc.  God Almighty forbid! that were too unnatural in me to accept, though dutiful and affectionate in them to offer.  They talk of India still.  With my damaged fortune I cannot help them to remain by exchange, and so forth.  He expects, if they go, to go out eldest Captain, when, by staying two or three years, he will get the step of Major.  His whole thoughts are with his profession, and I understand that when you quit or exchange, when a regiment goes on distant or disagreeable service, you are not accounted as serious in your profession; God send what is for the best!  Remitted Charles a bill for L40—­L35 advance at Christmas makes L75.  He must be frugal.

Attended the Court, and saw J.B. and Cadell as I returned.  Both very gloomy.  Came home to work, etc., about two.

February 2.—­An odd visit this morning from Miss Jane Bell of North Shields, whose law-suit with a Methodist parson of the name of Hill made some noise.  The worthy divine had in the basest manner interfered to prevent this lady’s marriage by two anonymous letters, in which he contrived to refer the lover, to whom they were addressed, for further corroboration to himself.  The whole imposition makes the subject of a little pamphlet published by Marshall, Newcastle.  The lady ventured for redress into the thicket of English law—­lost one suit—­gained another, with L300 damages, and was ruined.  The appearance and person of Miss Bell are prepossessing.  She is about thirty years old, a brunette, with regular and pleasing features, marked with melancholy,—­an enthusiast in literature, and probably in religion.  She had been at Abbotsford to see me, and made her way to me here, in the vain hope that she could get her story worked up into a novel; and certainly the thing is