the house were in process of completion, will show how
accurately Scott had pictured himself in Monkbarns.

"ABBOTSFORD: _April_ 21, 1817.

"DEAR SIR,--Nothing can be more obliging than your
attention to the old stones. You have been as true as the sundial
itself." [The sundial had just been erected.] "Of the two I would
prefer the larger one, as it is to be in front of a parapet quite
in the old taste. But in case of accidents it will be safest in
your custody till I come to town again on the 12th of May. Your
former favors (which were weighty as acceptable) have come safely
out here, and will be disposed of with great effect."

"ABBOTSFORD: _July_ 30th.

"I fancy the Tolbooth still keeps its feet, but, as it must soon
descend, I hope you will remember me. I have an important use for
the niche above the door; and though many a man has got a niche
_in_ the Tolbooth by building, I believe I am the first that ever
got a niche out of it on such an occasion. For which I have to
thank your kindness, and to remain very much your obliged humble
servant,

"WALTER SCOTT."

"_August 16._

"MY DEAR SIR,--I trouble you with this [_sic_] few lines
to thank you for the very accurate drawings and measurements of the
Tolbooth door, and for your kind promise to attend to my interest
and that of Abbotsford in the matter of the Thistle and Fleur de
Lis. Most of our scutcheons are now mounted, and look very well, as
the house is something after the model of an old hall (not a
castle), where such things are well in character." [Alas--Sir
Walter, Sir Walter!] "I intend the old lion to predominate over a
well which the children have christened the Fountain of the Lions.
His present den, however, continues to be the hall at Castle
Street."

"_September 5._

"DEAR SIR,--I am greatly obliged to you for securing the
stone. I am not sure that I will put up the gate quite in the old
form, but I would like to secure the means of doing so. The
ornamental stones are now put up, and have a very happy effect. If
you will have the kindness to let me know when the Tolbooth door
comes down, I will send in my carts for the stones; I have an
admirable situation for it. I suppose the door itself" [he means
the wooden one] "will be kept for the new jail; if not,