fondness for the shows and pomps of the world, as she had not concealed
from him before marriage, and she never recovered from such fondness;
but she accommodated herself well to her surroundings, and the young
couple were very happy.

In 1814 "Waverley" was published, and received with wonder and delight
by the whole reading world. "Guy Mannering" followed closely upon it,
and was said to have been written in six weeks' time. It intensified the
interest already aroused, and made men wonder anew who this great new
light could be. The tragical "Bride of Lammermoor" composed at white
heat in a fortnight, added greatly to the sensation, and the whole
country was in a fever of excitement over the creations of this
enchanted pen. The secret of the authorship of the novels was kept for a
long time even from Scott's intimate friends. During the great success
of these works, Scott began the building of his house at Abbotsford, and
put into the vast and imposing structure so much money that he became
very much embarrassed in his finances, and the serious troubles of his
life began. The extravagance of his outlay upon his estate, together
with liabilities he had assumed for others, led finally to financial
ruin, to overwork, and probably to premature death. Let us make a few
extracts from his diary written when these misfortunes were fresh upon
him.

"What a life mine has been! Half-educated, almost wholly neglected
or left to myself; stuffing my head with most nonsensical trash,
and undervalued by the most of my companions for a time; getting
forward, and held to be a bold and clever fellow, contrary to the
opinion of all who had held me a mere dreamer; broken-hearted for
two years, my heart handsomely pieced again,--but the crack will
remain till my dying day. Rich and poor four or five times; once on
the verge of ruin, yet opened a new source of wealth almost
overflowing. Now to be broken in my pitch of pride and nearly
winged (unless good news should come) because London chooses to be
in an uproar, and in the tumult of bulls and bears a poor,
inoffensive lion like myself is pushed to the wall. Nobody in the
end can lose a penny by me, that is one comfort. I have the
satisfaction to recollect that my prosperity has been of advantage
to many, and to hope that some at least will forgive my transient
wealth on account of the innocence of my intention