h's auld wig that blew aff yon time he put his
head out of the window of the ark to look after his corbie
messenger."

James Dalgetty and his opinion gave subject of much merriment to
the company, but Doctor Coventry thought there was nothing so
very ludicrous in the remark, for in that kind of slate there
are frequently substances found resembling hairs.

Lord Gillies presented Doctor Coventry to Mrs. Arbuthnott, as
the well-known professor of agriculture, and they entered on a
conversation respecting soils. She described those of Balwylie,
and the particular properties of the _Surroch Park_, which James
Dalgetty curses every time it's spoken about, and says, "it
greets a' winter, and girns a' simmer."

The doctor rubbed his hands with delight, and said that was the
most perfect description of cold wet land he had ever heard of;
and Sir Walter expressed a wish to cultivate the acquaintance of
James Dalgetty, and extorted a promise from Mrs. Arbuthnott that
she would visit Abbotsford, and bring James with her. "I have a
James Dalgetty of my own," continued Sir Walter, "that governs
me just as yours does you."

Lady Ann and Mr. Wharton Duff and their daughter were announced,
and introduced to Mrs. Arbuthnott.

At ten, Sir Walter and Miss Scott took leave, with a promise
that they should visit each other, and bending down to the ear
of Mrs. Arbuthnott, Sir Walter addressed her in these words:
"Awa! awa! the deil's ower grit wi' you."

* * * * *

And now are we not all the better for this pleasantry? so womanly, so
genial, so rich, and so without a sting,--such a true diversion, with
none of the sin of effort or of mere cleverness; and how it takes us
into the midst of the strong-brained and strong-hearted men and women of
that time! what an atmosphere of sense and good-breeding and kindliness!
And then the Scotch! cropping out everywhere as blithe, and expressive,
and unexpected as a gowan or sweet-briar rose, with an occasional
thistle, sturdy, erect, and bristling with _Nemo me_. Besides the deeper
and general interest of these _Mystifications_, in their giving, as far
as I know, a unique specimen of true personation--distinct from
acting--I think it a national good to let our youngsters read, and, as
it were, hear the language which our gentry and judges and men of
letters spoke no