Narrative of the life - 1848 Author:Walter Scott Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III. Death of John Ballantyne—and William Erskine—George IV. at Edinburgh—Visits of Mr Crabbe and Miss Edgeworth— Reminiscences by Mr Adolphus—Publica... more »tion of Lives of the Novelists—Halidon Hill—The Pirate—The Fortunes of Nigel —Peveril of the Peak—Qnentin Durward—and St Ronan's Well.—1821-1823. Before the end of January 18 21, he went to London at the request of the other Clerks of Session, that he might watch over the progress of an Act of Parliament designed to relieve them from a considerable part of their drudgery in attesting recorded deeds by signature ;—and his stay was prolonged until near the beginning of the Summer term of his Court. On his return he found two matters of domestic interest awaiting him. On the 23d April he writes to the Cornet:—"The noble Captain Fergusson was married on Monday last. I was present at the bridal, and I assure you the like hath not been seen since the days of Lesmahago. Like his prototype, the Captain advanced in a jaunty military step, with a kind of leer on his face that seemed to quiz the whole affair. You should write to your brother sportsman and soldier, and wish the veteran joy of his entrance into the band of Benedicts. Odd enough that I should christen a grandchild and attend the wedding of a contemporary within two days of each other. I have sent John of Skye, with Tom, and all the rabblement which they can collect, to play the pipes, shout, and fire guns below the Captain's windows this morning ; and I am just going over to hover about on my pony, and witness their reception. The happy pair returned to Huntley Burn on Saturday ; but yesterday being Sunday, we permitted them to enjoy theirpillows in quiet. This morning they must not expect to get off so well." The Captain and his Lady soon pitched a tent for thems...« less