n to me, with tragical recitations from the ballads of
Bishop Percy. The first time, too, I could scrape a few shillings
together, which were not common occurrences with me, I bought unto
myself a copy of these beloved volumes; nor do I believe I ever read a
book half so frequently, or with half the enthusiasm."

After his return from Kelso, Walter was sent to college, but with no
better results than in the early years at the High School. The Latin
teacher was so mild in his requirements that it was easy to neglect the
lessons, and in beginning the study of Greek the boy was again at a
disadvantage, for nearly all his classmates, unlike himself, knew a
little of the language. He was scarcely more successful in a private
course in mathematics, but did well in his classes in moral philosophy.
History and civil and municipal law completed his list of studies. So
meager did this education seem that in later years Scott wrote in a
brief autobiography, "If, however, it should ever fall to the lot of
youth to peruse these pages--let such a reader remember that it is with
the deepest regret that I recollect in my manhood the opportunities of
learning which I neglected in my youth: that through every part of my
literary career I have felt pinched and hampered by my own ignorance:
and that I would at this moment give half the reputation I have had the
good fortune to acquire, if by doing so I could rest the remaining part
upon a sound foundation of learning and science."

[Illustration: ABBOTSFORD]

It had been decided that Walter should follow his father's profession,
that of the law, and accordingly he entered his father's office, to
serve a five years' apprenticeship. Though it may seem surprising, in
view of his former indolence, it is true that he gave himself to his
work with great industry. At the same time, however, he continued to
read stories of adventure and history and other similar works with as
much zest as ever, and entered into an agreement with a friend whereby
each was to entertain the other with original romances. The monotony of
office duties was also relieved by many trips about the country, in
which the keenest delight was felt in natural beauties and in the
historical associations of old ruins and battlefields and other places
of like interest. Then, too, there were literary societies that advanced
the young law-apprentice both intellectually and socially. Thus the
years with his father passed. Then, as h