b and His Friends" had several pictures of the illustrious
dog that figured in his beautiful story, and I noticed a pet spaniel
lying on the sofa in the drawing room. A day or two after, Dr. Brown
called on me, and kindly took me on a drive with him through Edinburgh;
and it was pleasant to see how the people on the sidewalk had cheery
salutes for the author of "Rab" as he rode by. We went up to Calton
Hill and made a call on Sir George Harvey, the famous artist, whom we
found in his studio, with brush in hand, and working on an Highland
landscape. Sir George was a hearty old fellow, and the two friends had a
merry "crack" together. When I asked Harvey if he had seen any of our
best American paintings, he replied "No, I have not; the best American
productions I have ever seen have been some of your missionaries. I met
some of them; they were noble characters." On our return from the drive
Dr. Brown gave me an elegant edition of "Rab," with Harvey's portrait of
the immortal dog, whose body was thickset like a little bull, and who
had "fought his way to absolute supremacy,--like Julius Caesar or the
Duke of Wellington."

When in Edinburgh ten years afterwards, as a delegate to the General
Assemblies, I was so constantly occupied that I was able to see but
little of my genial friend, Dr. Brown. I sent him a copy of the little
book, "The Empty Crib," which had been recently published, and received
from him the following characteristic reply:

25 RUTLAND STREET, EDINBURGH, May 25, 1872.

_My Dear Dr. Cuyler_

Very many thanks for your kind note, and the little book. It will
be my own fault if I am not the better for reading it. I have seen
nothing lovelier or more touching than the pictures of those _twin
heads_ "like unto the angels"; even there Georgie looks nearer the
better world than his brother. There is something perilous about
his eyes with their wistful beauty. With him "it is far better"
now, and may it be meet for Theodore to be long with you here. I
hoped to leave with you a book of my father's on the same subject,
entitled, "Comfortable Words," but it is out of print. If I can get
a copy, I will send it you. There are some letters of Bengel's
which, if you do not know, you will enjoy.

I send you a note of introduction to John Ruskin, and I hope to
hear you to-morrow in Mr. Candlish's church.

With much regret and best thanks,