92 A Scottish Idyl. 



owner of it, and offer'd to give any price he demanded, the Uttle 

 esquire set his price, and she gave it, to the admiration of many 

 spectators, and all the way as she walk'd she canonaded so violently 

 that the whole town was alarm'd and thought it was a French 

 landing, by the time we were near our own house we found the 

 whole dragoons drawn out to defend the place, but upon the sight of 

 there Enemy, they water'd there horses instead of proceeding further 

 to the attack, there was a search for arms, and that unlucky 

 gun was found upon Maguire, by jonv friend, Cornet Smith, but 

 she manag'd things so pi'udently, that instead of being taken prisner 

 herself she broug'ht the Cornet a prisoner to our house, we made 

 a search likewise and made him lay down all his heavy luggage 

 which was two pocketsfull of nuts, so we drank tea, and sang all 

 the afternoon. Next day we all went to Maxwelton (Sir Robt.'s 

 house) and spent eight days pritty agreeably in dancing and other 

 country amusements, we had Mr Jervis with us nearly all the 

 time, to my great joy Alicie. the Cleckin had been destroy'd 

 some days before we went there, he insisted that Maguire should 

 see his house before she left the country. AVe went and dined 

 there, and was very handsomely entertained, and went to his 

 brother all night. Next day w^e came to Dumfries, and he con- 

 Toy'd us about three miles. When we came into town we received 

 your letter but could not answere it with the post it was so late. 

 Yesterday being the king's birthnight we had a ball, but you can't 

 have the satisfaction in hearing of the balls here, that you had of 

 the Moffat ones as you are acquaint with so few of the folks here 

 but the few that does know you, I assure you asks after you very ; 

 affectionatly. Now I think I have been very particuler in my 

 account. I am now come to this night. About a dozen of us has , 

 keep'd our hallowe'en very merrily and now Maguire and I are 

 sitting by the fireside, at one o'clock. She is preparing ane apple 

 to dream upon and telling- me now and then what to say to John- 

 ston. She sometimes looks about to the door to see if she can see 

 you sitting upon your carpet. Ur. Alicie we have often wished * 

 for you here, but since that won't do, hope we shall soon meet in | 

 Edinburgh. Maguire and Sussie and me goes in next week, and '■ 

 Grissie stays with my sister till Christmas and then, I believe, 

 they both come in. Grissie wou'd write but she is sadly distress'd ] 

 with her headacks. but she says she'll write to you after we are 

 gone, direct for Maguire and me at Lord Tinwald's house Miln's 



