“My dear Sir,— . .
. My boy is now as tall as I am—17
years old—and exceedingly active and robust; a good horseman and an
excellent oarsman; a very good boy and a great comfort to me, though not as yet
very ardent in his pursuit of learning. His sister is at 15 more of a woman in appearance, manners, and
acquirements, than many considerably more advanced in years. She is, I think,
though not beautiful, a very graceful girl, and I have in her a constant and
agreeable companion at my fireside and in my walks. So much for
home.—Sir Walter and his wife
continue to have perfect health in India. Some time ago he fancied he might be
able to effect an exchange and come home, but the bad times of trade have not
spared the booksellers, and the debt remaining heavy, after I had hoped to hear
of its total liquidation, he, for the present, has laid aside all thoughts of
quitting the post he holds. He had for a year the command of the regiment, and
will, I trust, have it again soon, and when he has that the allowances are very
handsome. Meantime he writes regularly and in excellent spirits. Lately he
tells me, hearing that a Highland battalion
| 204 | LIFE OF J. G. LOCKHART. |
