the
rest of us were behind him. Here, by degrees, he became
quite absorbed in his own reflections. He frequently
repeated to himself, or _composed_ perhaps, for a good
while, and often smiled or raised his hand, seeming
completely occupied and amused. His neighbor, a vastly
scientific and rather grave professor, in a smooth drab
Benjamin and broad-brimmed beaver, cast many a curious
sidelong glance at him, evidently suspecting that all was
not right with the upper story, but preserved perfect
politeness. The poet was, however, discovered by the captain
of the vessel in which we crossed the Channel;--and a
perilous passage it was, chiefly in consequence of the
unceasing tumblers in which this worthy kept drinking his
health."

Before leaving Edinburgh, Scott had settled in his mind the plan of
Paul's Letters; for on that same day, his agent, John Ballantyne,
addressed the following letter, from his marine villa near Newhaven:--

TO MESSRS. CONSTABLE & CO.

TRINITY, 27th July, 1815.

DEAR SIRS,--Mr. Scott left town to-day for the Continent. He
proposes writing from thence a series of letters on a
peculiar plan, varied in matter and style, and to different
supposititious correspondents.

The work is to form a demy 8vo volume of twenty-two sheets,
to sell at 12s. It is to be begun immediately on his arrival
in France, and to be published, if possible, the second week
of September, when he proposes to return.

{p.044} We print 3000 of this, and I am empowered to offer
you one third of the edition, Messrs. Longman & Co. and Mr.
Murray having each the same share: the terms, twelve months'
acceptance for paper and print, and half profits at six
months, granted now as under. The over copies will pay the
charge for advertising, I am, etc.,

John BALLANTYNE.

_Charge_--
22 sheets printing,--L3 15 0 L82 10 0
145 reams demy, -- 1 10 0 217 10 0
---------
L300 0 0

3000 at 8s. L1200 0 0
Cost, 300 0 0
----------
L900 0 0 profit--One half is L450.

Before Scott reached Harwich, he knew that this offer had been