r has any thought of resuming it, which leaves
me free to make the attempt.

I am staying with a friend at a place on the Scottish Border; the
Leader, famous in song, runs across the lawn; we are four miles from
Melrose, and about as many from Abbotsford; the country is lovely, and
full of poetical and romantic associations.

I remain here another week, and then go to Glasgow, where I am to act;
after that I expect to pass three weeks in Edinburgh, between my two
cousins, Cecilia Combe (whom you remember as Cecy Siddons) and a
daughter of my dear friend Mrs. Harry Siddons, who married Major Mair,
and is living happily and prosperously in beautiful Edinburgh.

I must either act or give readings during this time, as I can in no wise
afford to be idle.

It was a great disappointment to me to _boil_ by B----'s very door on my
way here [Miss Barbarina Sullivan, Lady Dacre's granddaughter, now the
Hon. Lady Grey], but my plans had been all disarranged and confused by
other people, and I was most unwillingly compelled to pass by Howick. I
have written to offer myself to her in the last week of October on my
way back to London, and heartily hope she may be able and willing to
receive me, as I long to see her in her new home.

Pray give my kind regards to Mrs. Brand. You ought to be of the greatest
use, comfort, and pleasure to each other, endowed, as you both are, with
the especial graces of age and youth.

With affectionate respects to Lord Dacre, believe me

Ever yours,
FANNY.

[Miss Susan Cavendish had married the Hon. Thomas Brand, Lord
Dacre's nephew and heir. When I wrote this letter young Mr. and Mrs.
Brand lived a good deal at the Hoo with my kind old friends.]

CAROLSIDE, EARLSTON, September 5th.

You ask me what I am doing, dear Hal. I am driving fifteen miles in an
open britzska, in a bitter blowing day, to return morning calls of
neighbors, whose laudable desire is to "keep the county lively," and who
have dragged my little hostess into active participation in a picnic at
Abbotsford, which is to take place next Friday, the weather promising to
reward the seekers after "liveliness" with their death of cold, if they
escape their death of dulness.

I have taken several charming rides; the country is beautiful. I have
caught a tolerably good cold--I mean, good of it