On a Yacht. 277 



woman who does fine things in art, literature, or music, 

 or in any Hne whatever ! 



The Charioteers gave leave of absence to the Scribe 

 and General Manager to spend Sunday with my friends 

 Mr. and Mrs. G., at Strathairly House, on the banks of 

 the Forth. It was a most delightful visit. The Com- 

 modore of the Forth Yachting Squadron (for such Mr. 

 G. is) had the Ranee ready to take us back to Edin- 

 burgh Monday morning. We enjoyed the sail down 

 the Forth very much. That we could not accept the 

 Commodore's invitation to change the Gay Char- 

 ioteers into Bold Mariners for a day and visit St. 

 Andrews in the Ranee gave rise to deep regret, when 

 the other members of the party were informed of the 

 treat proposed ; but we cannot glean every field upon 

 our march. Some other time. Commodore, the recently 

 elected member of the squadron will report for duty on 

 the flagship and splice the main brace with you and 

 your jolly crew. There is a craze for yachting in Brit- 

 ain, which is also showing its symptoms on this side. I 

 am not at home in vessels much smaller than an Atlantic 

 steamer. The Charioteers resolved unanimously that 

 their yacht should have four wheels and four horses, and 

 should run on land. 



Upon our return to Edinburgh Monday morning, 

 the first rumbling of the distant thunder from Dunferm- 

 line was heard, and it dawned upon us that serious work 

 was at hand. Our friend Mr. D., of the Council, had 



