as clear a light as he did, I
would see the vanity of attending to these earthly things. I trust,
without irreligion, one may say he is mistaken. I write from Mr
Constable's, which is near the Post-office. My dinner-hour is long
past, and the post is just going, so I must bid you adieu. Write me
soon, and inform me how you are pleased with the contents of this.
My 'passage' only cost me 10s. of fee, and 2s. 6d. as fine for
being absent from the Society. I hope you are all well, and remain,
my dear mother, your affectionate and dutiful son, J. HILL BURTON."

* * * * *

"EDINBURGH, _17th December 1830_.

"MY DEAR MOTHER,--I supposed you received my last letter, written
somewhat hurriedly, but of which I suppose you were able to
discover the principal fact. Since writing, I have been relaxing
myself a little, and going about making a few calls, a thing I have
neglected of late; but I beg you will not suppose this to be a hint
that I am to grow idle. I intend, indeed, to be very busy all
winter. I expect to hear from you soon, and to know what is doing
in Aberdeen. I called upon Mrs H. to-night, who told me my
grand-aunt had been very unwell lately. I trust this is a mistake;
but not having heard from your quarter for some days, the fact may
be so, without my having known it.... I just despatched the
oysters, and I would wish that you could send to Mr Dyce, and
inquire whether they have come free of expense, as I left money
with the seller to pay the coach-hire. I have not sent you any, as
they are rather dear--8s. 8d. for a barrel with two hundred. Now, I
presume you might buy the same number in Aberdeen for about quarter
the sum.

"I live here in a sort of honourable solitude--few acquaintances,
and few annoyances; it is just the sort of life I like. I am to
have one or two of the young men I know to spend Saturday evening
with me, and to discuss your nice plum-cakes which I have just cut.
Among them is a young Pole--a Count Lubienski, a very agreeable and
intelligent gentleman--a class-fellow.

"I may now, by the way, give you the history of my discoveries with
respect to the Widows' Fund, &c., which I presume have proved
rather mysteriously annoying to you. When I first heard the report
of the matter, I call