12 WALTER SCOTT. 



We returned after visiting Arthur's Seat 

 and Holyrood, and I spent, I think, 

 one of the most pleasant evenings I 

 ever remember the conversation turning 

 principally upon the literary productions 

 of the day. 



The author of Waverley was not then 

 known, but speaking of the poetic works 

 of Walter Scott, Ballantyne seemed very 

 attentive when I expressed my admiration 

 of the " Lady of the Lake," the simplicity 

 of the tale, and the beauty of the imagery, 

 and attempted to point out good speci- 

 mens of his powers of description, as well 

 as of his genius, displayed in grouping 

 and classifying the characteristics of his 

 native country. 



On the Monday morning I again 

 called, and after permanently settling my 

 brother, took leave of my hospitable and 

 very intelligent entertainer. 



The weather, which had been particularly 



