MANNERING.

_By Sir Walter Scott, Bart._

[We quote the following Legend from the _New Edition_ of _Guy Mannering_,
with the Supplementary Notes by the distinguished author.]

The manner in which the novels were composed, cannot be better
illustrated, than by reciting the simple narrative on which _Guy
Mannering_ was originally founded; but to which, in the progress of
the work, the production ceased to bear any, even the most distant
resemblance. The tale was originally told me by an old servant of
my father's, an excellent old Highlander, without a fault, unless a
preference to mountain-dew, over less potent liquors be accounted one.
He believed as firmly in the story as in any part of his creed.

A grave and elderly person, according to old John MacKinlay's account,
while travelling in the wilder parts of Galloway, was benighted.
With difficulty he found his way to a country-seat, where, with the
hospitality of the time and country, he was readily admitted. The owner
of the house, a gentleman of good fortune, was much struck by the
reverend appearance of his guest, and apologised to him for a certain
degree of confusion which must unavoidably attend his reception, and
could not escape his eye. The lady of the house was, he said, confined
to her apartment, and on the point of making her husband a father for
the first time, though they had been ten years married. At such an
emergency, the laird said he feared his guest might meet with some
apparent neglect. "Not so, sir," said the stranger; "my wants are few,
and easily supplied; and I trust the present circumstances may even
afford an opportunity of showing my gratitude for your hospitality. Let
me only request that I may be informed of the exact minute of the birth;
and I hope to be able to put you in possession of some particulars which
may influence in an important manner the future prospects of the child
now about to come into this busy and changeful world. I will not conceal
from you that I am skilful in understanding and interpreting the
movements of those planetary bodies which exert their influences on the
destiny of mortals. It is a science which I do not practise, like others
who call themselves astrologers, for hire or reward; for I have a
competent estate, and only use the knowledge I possess for the benefit
of those in whom I feel an interest." The laird bowed in respect and
gratitude, and the stranger was accommodated with an apartment which
comma