their being
regular and even larger in future, her brother's situation being
extremely lucrative. Another objection was her birth: "Can any
good thing come out of Nazareth?" but as it was _birth merely
and solely_, {p.254} this has been abandoned. _You_ will be
more interested about other points regarding her, and I can only
say that--though our acquaintance was shorter than ever I could
have thought of forming such a connection upon--it was
exceedingly close, and gave me full opportunities for
observation--and if I had parted with her, it must have been
forever, which both parties began to think would be a
disagreeable thing. She has conducted herself through the whole
business with so much propriety as to make a strong impression in
her favor upon the minds of my father and mother, prejudiced as
they were against her, from the circumstances I have mentioned.
We shall be your neighbors in the New Town, and intend to live
very quietly; Charlotte will need many lessons from Miss R. in
housewifery. Pray show this letter to Miss R. with my very best
compliments. Nothing can now stand in the way except Lord
Downshire, who may not think the match a prudent one for Miss C.;
but he will surely think her entitled to judge for herself at her
age, in what she would wish to place her happiness. She is not a
beauty, by any means, but her person and face are very engaging.
She is a brunette; her manners are lively, but when necessary she
can be very serious. She was baptized and educated a Protestant
of the Church of England. I think I have now said enough upon
this subject. Do not write till you hear from me again, which
will be when all is settled. I wish this important event may
hasten your return to town. I send a goblin story, with best
compliments to the misses, and ever am, yours affectionately,

WALTER SCOTT.

THE ERL-KING.[140]

(_The Erl-King is a goblin that haunts the Black Forest in
Thuringia.--To be read by a candle particularly long in the
snuff._)

O, who rides by night thro' the woodland so wild?
It is the fond father embracing his child;
And {p.255} close the boy nestles within his loved arm,
To hold himself fast, and to keep himself warm.