unpolished marble. Notice, in proof of this, how much Mr. Neill
and Mr. M'Gregor [the tutor] know, and observe how little a man
knows who is not a good scholar. On my way to Fochabers I passed
through many thousand acres of Fir timber, and saw many deer
running in these woods.'

[To Mrs. Stevenson.]

'Inverness, July 21st.

'I propose going to church in the afternoon, and as I have
breakfasted late, I shall afterwards take a walk, and dine about
six o'clock. I do not know who is the clergyman here, but I shall
think of you all. I travelled in the mail-coach [from Banff]
almost alone. While it was daylight I kept the top, and the
passing along a country I had never before seen was a considerable
amusement. But, my dear, you are all much in my thoughts, and many
are the objects which recall the recollection of our tender and
engaging children we have so recently lost. We must not, however,
repine. I could not for a moment wish any change of circumstances
in their case; and in every comparative view of their state, I see
the Lord's goodness in removing them from an evil world to an abode
of bliss; and I must earnestly hope that you may be enabled to take
such a view of this affliction as to live in the happy prospect of
our all meeting again to part no more--and that under such
considerations you are getting up your spirits. I wish you would
walk about, and by all means go to town, and do not sit much at
home.'

'Inverness, July 23rd.