o stranger to Scott's high estimation of
Irving's genius, gave him a letter of introduction, which, halting his
chaise on the high-road above Abbotsford, he modestly sent down to the
house, "with a card, on which he had written, that he was on his way
to the ruins of Melrose, and wished to know whether it would be
agreeable to Mr. Scott to receive a visit from him in the course of
the morning." Scott's family well remember the delight with which he
received this announcement:--he was at breakfast, and sallied forth
instantly, dogs and children after him as usual, to greet the guest,
and conduct him in person from the highway to the door.

"The noise of my chaise," says Irving, "had disturbed the
quiet of the establishment. Out sallied the warder of the
castle, a black greyhound, and leaping on one of the blocks
of stone, began a furious barking. This alarm brought out
the whole garrison of dogs, all open-mouthed and vociferous.
In a little while, the lord of the castle himself made his
appearance. I knew him at once, by the likenesses that had
been {p.182} published of him. He came limping up the
gravel walk, aiding himself by a stout walking staff, but
moving rapidly and with vigor. By his side jogged along a
large iron-gray staghound, of most grave demeanor, who took
no part in the clamor of the canine rabble, but seemed to
consider himself bound, for the dignity of the house, to
give me a courteous reception.

"Before Scott reached the gate, he called out in a hearty
tone, welcoming me to Abbotsford, and asking news of
Campbell. Arrived at the door of the chaise, he grasped me
warmly by the hand: 'Come, drive down, drive down to the
house,' said he; 'ye're just in time for breakfast, and
afterwards ye shall see all the wonders of the Abbey.'

"I would have excused myself on the plea of having already
made my breakfast. 'Hut, man,' cried he, 'a ride in the
morning in the keen air of the Scotch hills is warrant
enough for a second breakfast.'

"I was accordingly whirled to the portal of the cottage, and
in a few moments found myself seated at the breakfast-table.
There was no one present but the family, which consisted of
Mrs. Scott; her eldest daughter, Sophia, then a fine girl
about seventeen; Miss Anne Scott, two or three years
younger; Walter, a well-grown strip