tained, and this was done accordingly. The maid was then dispatched to the baker for rolls; considering how much was that day to be done, it was very thoughtless of the girl not to recollect to bring them with her when she carried the pyes and puddings to the bakehouse.

In due time all things were completed, and Mrs Lorn and Mrs M'Auslan were dressed, to be in readiness to receive the guests; but still Mrs Lorn had a world of things to think of, and went into the kitchen to reiterate her injunctions that nothing should be neglected. The soup at that moment being taken off the fire, she dipt in the ladle to taste that it was properly seasoned; but just as she was blowing to cool it, a thundering knock at the door announced the arrival of the first of the company.

Before permitting the door to be opened, Mrs Lorn retreated to the drawing-room, and before the guests entered, she was sitting with her hands crossed, seemingly as cool as a duchess, though her face was like that of the north-west moon. Scarcely, however, had the strangers been seated, when the maid, who had acquired by this time a complexion that rivalled the grate, and her arms besmeared with soot, came in for a bottle of ketchup which stood in a closet behind the sofa where the guests were sitting, and which was neglected to have been taken out before, so that they were obliged to rise to give her admission.

The guests successively arrived.— Mrs Lorn had not before entertained such a numerous company-all, too, kith and kin, who had come to see the King; and to whom she was anxious to afford a view of metropolitan magnificence. Every peal on the knocker was a larum to the writhing spirit of Mrs Goroghan; but at last the series ceased, and Mrs Lorn, seeing all her guests arrived, rang the bell, and formally ordered dinner to be taken up; and that nothing might be set down amiss, before permitting it to be announced, she went out to take a view of the table, when, to her horror and consternation, she beheld the cat, in total contempt of the great stake of character which she had in the banquet, actually in the fact of licking the whipt cream that adorned the ceu

tre of the table.-Fortunately, the damage done was not material, and Mrs Lorn was enabled to return to the drawing-room, when dinner soon after was announced.

But

Never were the guests of Mrs Lorn half so smartly served, for, in addition to her own two maids, she had a footman, who, on some account or another, had been recently discharged from his former situation. It was, indeed, as she remarked to her friend, Mrs M'Auslan, a pleasure to see the ability of his servitude. in the very heyday of the banquet, a bruit arose in the street, and presently it was rumoured that the royal squadron was in sight. Instantly the whole of Mrs Lorn's guests deserted the dinner-table, and were hastening to the Calton-hill, when it was ascertained to be a false alarm. However, the party was so much disturbed, that the ladies did not return to the table, but went at once to the drawing-room, where they were soon joined by the gentlemen; for it is not the custom in Edinburgh, or elsewhere, for gentlemen to indulge long at the wine in the houses of dowagers.

As soon as Mrs Lorn saw they had all left the dining-room, she returned thither to put away the decanters; but Spruce, the footman, was already laudably employed in that careful of fice. Mrs Lorn, however, observed on the tray on which he was placing the glasses, two cut tumblers, which had been set down for water, with the dessert; but instead of water, they seemed to her to be filled with some more generous liquor.

"What's that in the twa crystal tumblers?" said she, in a tone of mingled anxiety and alarm.

Table-beer," was the ready reply. "Wha could be drinking beer with their fruit?" observed the lady; "let

me taste it."

Spruce turned up the corner of his eye, and showed more than the tip of his tongue as he presented one of the tumblers.

"As I'm to be trusted," said Mrs Lorn, "it's my old Madeira wine!"

But the fellow, in the meantime, had nimbly quitted the room with the tray, and in setting it down in the kitchen, whipt off the wine in the other tumbler. The consequence of which was that Mrs Lorn found her

self obliged to discharge him; lest, as she justly remarked, he should herry her out of house and hall.

Such was the state of things with our west-country friends on the night preceding the arrival of his Majesty; an account of which important event, and with divers other interesting particulars, we shall now briefly describe.

Leith.

Among all the public worthies whom the approach of Majesty called into action, as the return of spring does the busy bees, none were more alert and alive to the dignity and importance of their office, than the worshipful municipality of Leith. Some unknown power, which deemed itself appalling to the whole Magistracy of the ancient and loyal town, ordained that the King should land on the odoriferous shores of the fishing village of Newhaven. But Bailie Macfie, as he sat at the head of the Council board with his valiant peers, the intrepid Bailie Reoch and Bailie Newton, snapped his fingers at the huge bugbear, and it fled wailing away, discomfited like the spirit of Loda from the spear of Fingal, and was visible no more. In consequence of this bravery on the part of the Leith Bailies, when Captain M'Auslan, early on the morning after Mrs Lorn's banquet, walked to Leith to inquire what accounts had been received there of the royal squadron, he had the gratification to see preparations going forward for the King's reception, which reflected great honour on the taste and ingenuity of the engineer, and accommodations getting ready for the public, all which shewed how truly worthy indeed the town of Leith was to receive his Majesty, and how fortunate in having a Greenock gentleman at the head of her Magis tracy; for it is well known, at least to all Greenock folk, that there are no such clever people as themselves any where in the known world.

Captain M'Auslan, however, had at that time but little opportunity of conversing with his townsman, for the Bailie, as we have intimated, was a most active and indefatigable man, and had not only to see all things well and properly done, but to carry on an amazing correspondence for the purpose of gaining intelligence, in order to counteract the machinations of the mys

terious authority to which we have alluded, and also to compose a congratulatory address, and to acquire a fit English accent for the delivery. Nevertheless, the Captain had great reason to be pleased with his courteous attention, for the Bailie not only assured him and Mrs M'Auslan of places in the gallery constructed to overlook the landing, but in his couthy way gave him to understand, that perhaps he could accommodate a friend additional, which was joyous news to Captain M'Auslan, as it enabled him to gratify his kinswoman, Mrs Lorn, in a way that he could never have hoped for, had the senior Magistrate of Leith not been a Greenockian.

While the Captain and his townsman were speaking, the news arrived that the royal squadron was in the Frith, and might hourly be expected; at which intelligence the Bailie wished the Captain good morning, and hastened to invigorate with his presence the preparations that were not quite complete; and the Captain quickened his steps towards Edinburgh. As he ascended Leith Walk, he halted in admiration, for the Calton-hill was like a pyramid built of ladies and gentlemen, all assembled to descry the approach of the yachts.

When he reached the bottom of the stair leading to the residence of Mrs Lorn, and to the lodging-house of Mrs Rippet, he fell in with Mr and Mrs Goroghan, returning from the Calton-hill to breakfast; and having told them where he had been, he exulted in the extraordinary kindness he had received from Bailie Macfie, and expatiated on the great favour which had been done him, in the three tickets to the grand scaffold erected on the drawbridge.

The heart of Mrs Goroghan gave a suffocating gurge and gurgle at this intelligence, and she could barely preserve the decorum of silence before the M'Auslan, as she called the Captain, at the thought of the manifest partiality with which Fortune favoured her rivals. No sooner, indeed, had the Captain parted from them at Mrs Lorn's door, than her vexation burst forth, and she sharply insisted that her husband should immediately repair to Leith, and, through the medium of their townsman, likewise secure proper places; but this Mr Goroghan, with a commendable firmness, absolutely re

fused until he had breakfasted, which spirited conduct on his part we the more approve, because, although it is right that married men should be guided by their wives, there are occasions in which in this, as in all other general rules, exceptions may be allowed.

But the firmness of Mr Goroghan was not rewarded by the success which should ever attend the practice of any virtue; for when he did, after breakfast, go to Leith, his friend was nowhere to be seen, or rather, was everywhere but in the places where Mr Goroghan expected to see him; and when he did at last find him in the CouncilChamber, every ticket that could be issued to the drawbridge gallery was already engaged. The Bailie, however, quietly told his old acquaintance, that perhaps if he was indeed very anxious to see the landing, he might probably, by applying immediately, procure places for himself and Mrs Goroghan on the pier, at the trifle of three shillings the ticket. Now, this we must say was very pawkie of the Bailie; at the same time it originated in a proper and commendable address, for the pier was fitted up with benches at a great expense, and although ultimately destined to be opened to the public, yet it was thought advisable, in order to lessen the outlay to the corporation, to dispose, in the first instance, of as many tickets as possible. Mr Goroghan was thus, by the Bailie his townsman's adroit management, most happy, in such an emergency, to get tickets on so noble a situation for so small a sum as three shillings each; but when he returned to his wife, and told her how he had succeeded, she was absolutely ramping and stamping, to think how in every thing, by the better activity of the gudeman, Mrs M'Auslan still kept the upperhand. But what avails the tears or anger of womankind, when the stars conspire against them? and this Mrs Goroghan herself at last acknowledged, as the time drew near, when she must either proceed to Leith, or forego even the advantage, such as it was, which Mr Goroghan had procured for ten thousand voices from the Calton-hill had already announced that the yachts were in sight. Accordingly, she dressed with all possible expedition, and took care not to forget an umbrella, for the day was at this period overcast, and symptoms

of rain began to spot and speckle the pavement. In this she had for once the advantage of the M'Auslans, for they having set off with Mrs Lorn, immediately after breakfast, were then seated on the scaffold; and the morning being fine when they left Edinburgh, they were not prepared for the pityless and disloyal rain that commenced about an hour before the squadron came to anchor, and continued with unabating violence all the afternoon and night, by which not only the M'Auslans and Mrs Lorn were wetted to the skin, but a grand bonfire, which had been poetically imagined of volcanic magnitude, on the summit of Arthur's Seat, was so drookit, that in the evening when it was lighted, as a signal to all the land that the King was come, it scowled as sulkily and sullenly, as if it had been kindled by the foul breath of a radical.

Introductory Letters.

In the meantime, while the greatest joy and loyalty were circulating in the Glasgow town-house, No. 66, Queen Street, where the Provost, and all the dignitaries and magnates of the royal city sat assembled, Peter Gauze, and his townsman Robin Orr, and Jamie o' the Sneddan, with several other of the Paisley political proselytes, who had arrived on their feet, to demean themselves in such a manner before the King, as might wipe off the radical stains from the character of the venerable town, proceeded to Leith; and having hired a boat, and bought a bottle of whisky, they sailed off towards the Yacht which had the honour of bringing his Majesty. As soon as they came within hail, they ordered the boatmen to lie on their oars, and, giving three cheers, drank welcome, and health to the King, which, during such a drenching rain as then poured from the Heavens, exceedingly gratified his Majesty ; and according to the perfectest report that we have been able to obtain, from those veracious authorities, the newspapers, he had the good nature to shew himself in the shower, and graciously bow his thanks; indeed, by all accounts, so well did the loyal weavers perform their part, that it is hard to say whether they were better pleased with themselves or with the King; certain, however, it is, that they carried

back to their compeers in Paisley, such a quantity of the raw material of loyalty, in the enthusiasm with which they landed, that we shall not be surprised to hear it has been manufactured into a strong and durable attachment.

Meanwhile, Miss Nanny Eydent had not been idle with her letters. The first she delivered was the Doctor and Mrs Pringle's, to their son, the celebrated Andrew. When she called at his house, he was sitting in his library, and his servant carried in the letters to him, requesting Miss Nanny to remain in the hall. Andrew, seeing by the superscription, that they were introductory, and having been often troubled by his father and mother's simple notions of the world, in sending to him queer-looking country folks, in need of advice and attentions, he inquired what sort of appearance_the bearer had. Jerry, who was an Englishman, described her as something more genteeler than a young woman, but not as one would call a lady." Upon which Andrew gave a hem, and Jerry retiring, he opened the letters, and read them slowly, then rang the bell, and requested the young woman to be shown in.

66

When she entered the library, the advocate was sitting in his night-gown and slippers, with his back towards the door; but on hearing her enter, he wheeled his easy-chair half round, and without desiring Miss Nanny to be seated, said, with an ironical smile, "And so you have come into Edinburgh to see the fashions, as my mother says, at Holyrood, for the benefit of your Irvine customers?"

Miss Nanny blushed a little, but from what cause or reason, we shall not attempt to say,-she, however, replied modestly and respectfully, that the Doctor and Mrs Pringle were very kind to her, and that having some thoughts of setting up a millindery shop at the Kirkgate-foot, the mistress thought it would be an advantage to see Embro' at this time, when there was sic a concourse of genteel folk come to welcome the King.

Andrew, as every body knows from his correspondence, has some delicacy, and he felt a little rebuked at the sober sense which constituted the substance of this reply. But, at the same time, averse that a plain and simple person, of the description which the

discriminative Jerry had given, should be seen coming about his house, said, "I do not know in what manner, Miss Eydent, I can assist your views; for you must yourself be aware, that a single gentleman is not the best medium of procuring you the sort of information you are so desirous to acquire."

Miss Nanny replied,-" I ken that, Mr Andrew, vera weel; but both the Doctor and your mither thought you would introduce me to some leddies that could further my purpose."

Andrew bit his lips, and thought that both his father and mother thought very absurdly; but he said, “Have you any other letters ?"

"O yes, I hae several; for your mother, being fear't that ye might be thrang, or no in a way to help me wi' the higher leddies, gaed over herself to the Wylie, and got me some frae Sir Andrew, for she heard that severals of his London connexions were to be here."

The heart of the advocate was lightened by this intelligence, and he said, with great cordiality,—“ You could not be more fortunate, Miss Eydent. I would therefore advise you to lose no time in delivering them; and then, should you find that my interest or influence can be in any degree useful, I beg you will let me know."-In saying which, he opened his port-folio, in which he had been writing when Miss Nanny was shown in, and began to finish a letter, so that his modest visitor made her curtsey and departed.

This interview had such an effect on the spirits of Miss Nanny, that she returned straight towards Mrs Rippet's lodgings, where she had hired a garret room, but which, by the way, we had almost forgot to mention ; and sat down on her bed-side, ruminating and sorrowful, she could not tell why, till the sound of the Goroghans and M'Auslans returning wet from Leith, roused her from her reverie, and induced her to think of consulting Mrs M'Auslan as to the propriety of her continuing in Embro. Accordingly, after some time had elapsed, during which that worthy woman had shifted her clothes, Miss Nanny went down stairs for that purpose; and, having mentioned that she had met with little encouragement from Mr Andrew Pringle, without, however, telling

what had passed, for a sentiment of respect for her benefactors would not allow her to represent their son in an unfavourable light, she proceeded to say, that her other letters being to high and great folk, she had not the courage to deliver them. At this juncture, however, Mrs Lorn coming into the room, she took a part in the conversation, by inquiring to whom the letters were addressed; and as Miss Nanny had them in her pocket, she handed them over to her.

"To the Duke of Argyle!" exclaimed Mrs Lorn, on looking at the first; "My word, Miss Nanny, ye're far ben;" and then she added, in a graver accent, somewhat modulated with regret, "If there is ony kindness that his grace can do himsel, without having to apply to others, there's nobody will be mair ready to help you; but he's overly gentle in his nature to tak the trouble of being any more than blameless, which is no sufficient for a Duke of Argyll-that should be proud, and stern, and stalwart, willing to rug, and rive, and warsle wi' the crousest o' the Tories. I hae a notion, Miss Nanny, that ye needna fash him till ye can do no better; then he'll be wakened by his compassion to tak you by the han'. But here's a prime letter-Na, Miss Nanny, an ye had searched a' Christendom, ye couldna hae gotten ane better for your turn than the Thane.-I would advise you to gang wi't this very moment to the Royal Hotel-ye'll catch him at his dinner-In troth, I would fain gang wi'you mysel– What think you, Mrs M'Auslan ?--I'm sure ye would like to see his Lordship in his Highland dress-We'll a' go thegether." And with this and other heartening, the three ladies got themselves in order, and forthwith proceeded to deliver Miss Nanny's introductory letter.

The Thane and his friend the Baronet were, as Mrs Lorn supposed, sitting at their wine and walnuts, when his valet took in the letter, and said, with a significant smirk, “There are three ladies, my Lord."-"O, show them all in," exclaimed the Earl, laughing, and rubbing the hair of his forehead-"Who the deuce can they be ?"

The Baronet, somewhat drolling, began to sip his wine, as the servant retired, and in a moment returned,

briskly ushering in the ladies. The Thane, in the meantime, had laid the letter on the table, never thinking of its contents, but the moment that the strangers made their appearance, he rose, and with great cordiality, motioned to them, courteously, to take seats on the chairs which the servant placed for them towards the table,—at the same time, however, he eyed them with that peculiar affability with which he always regards the ladies.

Mrs M'Auslan was disconcerted and abashed by his ease and civility; but Miss Nanny sat down calm and selfpossessed, for she was soothed by the cordiality of his manner; while Mrs Lorn, in high delight, acted as the tongue of the trump, by introducing Miss Nanny, and explaining to him the objects of her visit at that time to the metropolis.

The Thane was a little amused by the good lady's garrulity, and perhaps he had been more interested in Miss Nancy, if, instead of a sedate Dumbarton youth, she had proved a pert blooming apprentice. He, however, at once promised to do all he could among his acquaintance to promote her views. Upon which Mrs Lorn mentioned that it would be a great thing for Miss Nanny if he could get her into the Drawing-room..

His Lordship was a little startled at this request, but in a moment he said, alertly,-"O yes, that may be managed, there is no need for her to be introduced, you know, or to pass the presence ;" and he then subjoined, and I'll pay myself for her dress."

"No, sir my lord," interposed Miss Nanny herself, "Mrs Lorn is under a mistake. I hae nae wish to be in the Drawing-room; but if your Lordship could get me permission to stand in one o' the rooms, to see the leddies gang through, it would be a wonderfu' favour."

The Thane's jocularity was a little awed by the simplicity and sincerity with which this was said; and perceiving that Miss Nanny might not understand his raillery, he replied, with a degree of respect in his manner, that he would be most happy to render her every service in his power, and that she should make no scruple of applying to him.

He then rang the bell, and ordered