CLOSING YEARS. 441 



did not go to see her entree on Thursday, and so missed what I hear 

 was a sight worth seeing. On Friday I attended, with about twelve 

 other professors, the stone-laying,* which was pretty. The Prince 

 spoke well, and to the purpose. On Saturday Ave dined with Mrs. 

 R. Chambers, and met De Quincey and his daughters and a few 

 others. In the evening dropt in about 150 literary persons of all 

 ages and sexes ; and I never saw the Doctor in such force. His 

 tongue never lay, and he would have sat till midnight ; but Sabbath 

 broke up the party. Next day Mary came for us in her carriage, 

 but no Doctor was to be found, so we went to Lixmount without 

 him, and at half- past seven he appeared in a brougham, having lost 

 himself in some quarries. On Tuesday, he dined with Mrs. Pit- 

 man, and to-day accompanies her to the Horticultural; so I do not 

 expect to see him again till Friday. He is stronger than I ever 

 knew him, and in great spirits ; and I am as kind to him as possible. 

 I expect he will stay ye,t for ten days, when he returns to Abberly 

 to accompany Mrs. Busk to London. I am not without hopes that 

 he will pay us a visit early in spring. He sends his love to you. 



" Gordon is the greatest man in Edinburgh — next to him the 

 Provost and Mr. Moxey.f The place seems quiet again as before, 

 but the excitement was great. Dear Jane had a bad attack two 

 days before we left Billholm, but was up the day we left, and I 

 trust quite hardy again. I am much the better of the dear Doc- 

 tor's visit, and am in good spirits. You are not forgotten in Skve 

 by any of us ; and we all rejoice to think what a stock of health 

 you are laying in for the winter. I am glad the guardsman and lady 

 are pleasant. When the Doctor goes I shall be able to know my 

 own motions. I must go then for a few days to St. Andrews. Af- 

 ter that I will write to you. Meanwhile God bless you, ever prays 

 your affectionate father, J. W. 



" Give my very kindest regards to the Doctor and good lady." 



The " dear Doctor," whose name has so frequently been men- 

 tioned in these pages, claims a few more words here. The school- 

 boy of olden days, beloved by all for his gentleness and goodness, 

 singing out, as Miss Sym describes him, " Ohon a ree ! ohon a ree !" 

 whom she finds "groping in the press, howking out a book, part 



* The foundation-stone of the new National Gallery on the Mound. 

 t Superintendent of Police. 



