The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

618 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
you will in the course of your story, but, unless you had the genius
of the author of Julia de Roubigne, never let the end be altogether overclouded. Let us see a glimpse of sunshine in the -last chapter; it is quite
essential."
"Nothing would be more easy for me, madam, than to comply with
your injunctions; for, in truth, the parties in whom you have had the
goodness to be interested, did live long and happily, and begat sons and
daughters."
"It is unnecessary, sir," she said,- with a slight nod of reprimand,
"to be particular concerning their matrimonial comforts. But what is
your objection to let us have, in a general way, a glimpse of their future
felicity?"
"Really, madam," said I, "you must be aware that every volume of a
narrative turns less and less interesting as the author draws to a conclusion;
just like your tea, which, though excellent hyson, is necessarily weaker and
more insipid in the last cup. Now, as I think the one is by no means improved by the luscious lump of half dissolved sugar usually found at the
bottom of it, so I am of opinion that a history, growing already vapid, is but
dully crutched up by a detail of circumstances which every reader must have
anticipated, even though the author exhaust on them every flowery epithet
in the language."
" This will not do, Mr. Pattieson," continued the lady. " You have, as I
may say, basted up your first story very hastily and clumsily at the conclusion;
and, in my trade, I would have cuffed the youngest apprentice who had put
such a horrid and bungled spot of work out of her hand. And if you do
not redeem this gross error by telling us all about the marriage of Morton
and Edith, and what became of the other personages of the story, from Lady
Margaret down to Goose-Gibbie, I apprize you, that you will not be held to
have accomplished your task handsomely."
"Well, madam," I replied, "my materials are so ample, that I think I
can satisfy your curiosity, unless it descend to very minute circumstances
indeed."
" First then," said she, "for that is most essential,-Did Lady Margaret
get back her fortune and her castle?"
"She did, madam; and in the easiest way imaginable,-as heir, namely,
to her worthy cousin, Basil Olifcant, who died without a will; and thus, by
his death, not only restored, but even augmented, the fortune of her, whom,
during his life, he had pursued with the most inveterate malice. John
Gudyill, reinstated in his dignity, was more important than ever; und
Caddie, with rapturous delight, entered upon thie cultivation of the mains
of Tillietudlem, and the occupation of his original cottage. But with the
shrewd caution of his character, he was never heard to boast of having
fired the lucky shot which repossessed his lady and himself in their original
habitations. -'After a',' he said to Jenny, who was his only confidant,'auld Basil Olifant was my leddy's cousin, and a grand gentleman; and
though he was acting again the law, as I understand, for he ne'er showed
ony warrant, or required Lord Evandale to surrender, and though I mind
killing him nae mair than I wad do a muircock, yet it's just as weel to keep
a calm sough about it.' He not only did so, but ingeniously enough countenanced a report that old Gudyill had done the deed, which was worth
many a gill of brandy to him from the old butlei, who, far different in disposition from Cuddie, was much more inclined to exaggerate than suppress
his exploits of manhood. - The blind widow was provided for in the most
comfortable mnanner, as well as the little guide to the Linn; and""But what is all this to the marriage-the marriage of the principal personages?" interrupted Miss Buskbody, impatiently tapping her snuff-box.
" The marriage of Morton and Miss Bellenden was delayed for several