I have ever felt for the prosperity of the family, if I did
not acquaint you of the following particulars. William Chrighton,
the present tenant of Sunnybraes, has now made application to have
the lease of that farm renewed; but, as he is a man of no
substance, belongs to the old school, is incapable of conducting
improvements upon an extensive scale, and merely struggles on from
year to year, I have declined to give him any answer till I should
know what was your pleasure thereanent. I have also received an
offer for the said farm from Mr. Black, bearing an advance of rent.
This gentleman is in a thriving way; he has a turn for business,
and everything prospers with him; he has extensive connections,
and, what is of more importance to the present purpose, he has a
son of age to take the management of a farm, who is an excellent
agriculturist. Mr. Black proposes to take both farms--Nettlebank at
the old rent, and the other at an advance; and, if his offers are
accepted, I have no hesitation in saying that he will soon improve
this portion of your estate to a great extent. I would therefore
recommend him to your notice. Hoping that _that_ knowledge of local
affairs which I have acquired from long experience, may still be of
some service to you, I am, Sir, your very humble servant,

"GAVIN GOOSEQUILL."

To this communication, the factor, in due time, received the following
laconic reply:--

"Sir,--I thank you for your friendly advice, and the attention to
my concerns which you manifest; but, as it is my wish that the old
tenants should remain, you may let Messrs. Chrighton and Henderson
have their farms at the old rent, if they choose.--Yours,

"P. FELSPAR."

This entirely disconcerted the schemes of these friends. Mr. Henderson
was the tenant who had been in Nettlebank before Mr. Black; and the
young laird, who had not been in Scotland since he was four years of
age, as yet knew nothing of his having left it. Gavin Goosequill felt
rather at a loss how to proceed; but, recollecting that "in the
multitude of counsellers there is safety," he determined to consult Mr.
Black, and, for this purpose, paid a visit to Nettlebank. What was the
result of this consultation is not exactly known; but, as Mr. Black
shook ha