“I enclose the cheque for the allowance; pray take care to get good notes in exchange. You had better speak to the gentleman whom Lord Shannon introduced you to, for, when banks take a-breaking, it seldom stops with the first who go. I am very sorry for your loss. You must be economical for a while, and bring yourself round again, for at this moment I cannot so well assist as I will do by and by. So do not buy any thing but what you need.
“I was at Abbotsford for three days last week, to receive Count Itterburg, who seemed very happy while with us, and was much affected when he took his leave. I am sorry for him—his situation is a very particular one, and his feelings appear to be of the kindest order. When he took leave of me, he presented me with a beautiful seal, with all our new blazonries cut on a fine amethyst; and what I thought the prettiest part, on one side of the setting is cut my name, on the other the Prince’s—Gustaf. He is to travel through Ireland, and will probably be at Cork. You will, of course, ask the Count and Baron to mess, and offer all civilities in your power, in which, I dare say, Colonel Murray will readily join. They intend to enquire after you.
“I have bought the land adjoining to the Burnfoot
cottage, so that we now march with the Duke of
Buccleuch all the way round that course. It cost me L.2300—but
there is a great deal of valuable fir planting, which you may remember; fine
roosting for the black game. Still I think it is L.200 too dear, but Mr Laidlaw thinks it can be made worth the
money, and it rounds the property off very handsomely. You cannot but remember
| MAY—JULY, 1820. | 377 |
“Mamma, Anne, and Charles are all well. Sophia has been complaining of a return of her old sprain. I told her Lockhart would return her on our hands as not being sound wind and limb.
“I beg you to look at your French, and have it much at heart that you should study German. Believe me, always affectionately yours,
