though dipped by electioneering, are considerable. Part of
them are settled on her; but whether _that_ will be _dowered_ now,
I do not know,--though, from what has been intimated to me, it
probably will. The lawyers are to settle this among them, and I am
getting my property into matrimonial array, and myself ready for
the journey to Seaham, which I must make in a week or ten days.

"I certainly did not dream that she was attached to me, which it
seems she has been for some time. I also thought her of a very cold
disposition, in which I was also mistaken--it is a long story, and
I won't trouble you with it. As to her virtues, &c. &c. you will
hear enough of them (for she is a kind of _pattern_ in the north),
without my running into a display on the subject. It is well that
_one_ of us is of such fame, since there is sad deficit in the
_morale_ of that article upon my part,--all owing to my 'bitch of a
star,' as Captain Tranchemont says of his planet.

"Don't think you have not said enough of me in your article on T *
*; what more could or need be said?

"Your long-delayed and expected work--I suppose you will take
fright at 'The Lord of the Isles' and Scott now. You must do as you
like,--I have said my say. You ought to fear comparison with none,
and any one would stare, who heard you were so tremulous,--though,
after all, I believe it is the surest sign of talent. Good morning.
I hope we shall meet soon, but I will write again, and perhaps you
will meet me at Nottingham. Pray say so.

"P.S. If this union is productive, you shall name the first
fruits."

* * * * *

LETTER 205. TO MR. HENRY DRURY.

"October 18. 1814.

"My dear Drury,

"Many thanks for your hitherto unacknowledged 'Anecdotes.' Now for
one of mine--I am going to be married, and have been engaged this
month. It is a long story, and, therefore, I won't tell it,--an old
and (though I did not know it till lately) a _mutual_ attachment.
The very sad life I have led since I was your pupil must partly
account for the offs and _ons_ in this now to be arranged business.
We are only waiting for the lawyers and settlements, &c.; and next
week, or the week after, I shall go down to Seaham in the new
character of a regular suitor for a wife of mine own