hope, that I am indeed very good to write so soon,
but I almost fear that all my goodness can never carry me through
all this plaguy writing. Lord Downshire will be happy to hear
from you. He is the very best man on earth--his letter is kind
and affectionate, and full of advice, much in the style of _your
last_. I am to consult _most carefully my heart_. Do you believe
I did not do it when I gave you my consent? It is true, I don't
like to reflect on that subject. I am afraid. It is very awful to
think it is for life. How can I ever laugh after such tremendous
thoughts? I believe never more. I am hurt to find that your
friends don't think the match a prudent one. If it is not
agreeable to them all, you must then forget me, for I have too
much pride to think of connecting myself in a family were I not
equal to them. Pray, my dear sir, write to Lord D.
immediately--explain yourself to him as you would to me, and he
will, I am sure, do all he can to serve us. If you {p.252}
really love me, you must love him, and write to him as you would
to a friend.

Adieu,--au plaisir de vous revoir bientot.

C. C.

TO ROBERT SHORTREED, ESQ., SHERIFF-SUBSTITUTE, JEDBURGH.

SELKIRK, 8th October, 1797.

DEAR BOB,--This day a long train of anxieties was put an end to
by a letter from Lord Downshire, couched in the most flattering
terms, giving his consent to my marriage with his ward. I am thus
far on my way to Carlisle--only for a visit--because, betwixt her
reluctance to an immediate marriage and the imminent approach of
the session, I am afraid I shall be thrown back to the Christmas
holidays. I shall be home in about eight days.

Ever yours sincerely,

W. SCOTT.

TO MISS CHRISTIAN RUTHERFORD, ASHESTIEL, BY SELKIRK.

Has it never happened to you, my dear Miss Christy, in the course
of your domestic economy, to meet with a drawer stuffed so very,
so _extremely_ full, that it was very difficult to pull it open,
however desirous you might be to exhibit its contents? In case
this miraculous event has ever taken place, you may somewhat
conceive from thence the cause of my silence, which has really
proceeded from my having a ve