Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

344 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD.
you." I wrote to you simply and fairly that I consider it would
be most indelicate of me to apply to Sir Walter, who, if he were
inclined to do you a favour, would naturally expect you should
apply for it yourself. I think so still, and so will any one who
knows anything of the world or of common - sense. As to
interfering with Mr Murray, I have told you all along it is a
thing which I cannot do. . . . You should write to Sir Walter
Scott, and if he would have the goodness to apply to Mr
Murray for you, I have no doubt that he would get the accounts
of 'The Brownie' closed with me, and whatever balance was
due to you would be immediately paid.
I must tell you frankly you need not have made such a
supposition as that I had resolved to withdraw from you my
confidence and friendship. I have never made any professions
to you, either in words or by writing, but what you have had
the most substantial evidence of their truth and sincerity. You
never in your life asked anything from me but what I instantly
granted, if in my power. You thought others could be of more
use to you ; and though I might have expected a little consider-
ation for my feelings, if not for what I had done for you, yet
you know this made no alteration in my conduct towards you
and I settled all our transactions as if nothing of the kind had
occurred, and in a way which you were satisfied was highly
liberal. It is most painful to me to allude to any of these
things, and I never wish to think of them ; but you force me
to do so, by your seeming to expect that I should again make
you advances of money. This I really cannot afford to do, and
I hope you will be satisfied that in present circumstances you
should not expect it.
According to your desire I called last night at Mr Grieve's,
but found, most unfortunately, that he had gone to the country.
I was very sorry for this, as I have never heard a syllable from
him with regard to the bond of credit. I am as willing as ever
to be security for the sum you proposed, provided, as I told
you, that Mr Grieve approves of it, and sees that it is really to
be useful to you.
The bond of credit referred, as the Scottish reader
will perceive, to the standing credit with his banker.
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