amble on the hills, and gather heather blossoms with which
to decorate {p.188} their hair for dinner. As they came
bounding lightly like young fawns, and their dresses
fluttering in the pure summer breeze, I was reminded of
Scott's own description of his children, in his introduction
to one of the cantos of Marmion:--

'My imps, though hardy, bold, and wild,
As best befits the mountain child,' etc.

As they approached, the dogs all sprang forward, and
gambolled around them. They joined us with countenances full
of health and glee. Sophia, the eldest, was the most lively
and joyous, having much of her father's varied spirit in
conversation, and seeming to catch excitement from his words
and looks; Anne was of a quieter mood, rather silent, owing,
in some measure, no doubt, to her being some years
younger."[74]

[Footnote 74: ["His daughter Sophia and his son Charles
were those of his family who seemed most to feel and
understand his humors, and to take delight in his
conversation. Mrs. Scott did not always pay the same
attention, and would now and then make a casual remark
which would operate a little like a damper. Thus, one
morning at breakfast, when Dominie Thomson the tutor was
present, Scott was going on with great glee to relate an
anecdote of the laird of Macnab, 'who, poor fellow!'
premised he, 'is dead and gone.' 'Why, Mr. Scott,'
exclaimed the good lady, 'Macnab's not dead, is he?'
'Faith, my dear,' replied Scott, with humorous gravity,
'if he's not dead, they've done him a great
injustice,--for they've buried him.'

"The joke passed harmless and unnoticed by Mrs. Scott,
but hit the poor Dominie just as he had raised a cup of
tea to his lips ... sending half its contents about the
table."--Irving's _Abbotsford_.]]

Having often, many years afterwards, heard Irving speak warmly of
William Laidlaw, I must not omit the following passage:--

"One of my pleasantest rambles with Scott about the
neighborhood of Abbotsford was taken in company with Mr.
William Laidlaw, the steward of his estate. This was a
gentleman for whom Scott entertained a particular valu