Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

A CANDID AUTHOR. 457
the second time I have done so. I am now quite persuaded
that a self- told narrative will not give the effect I wish, and
in consequence I am now engaged in drawing up a descriptive
story, in which, though the Laird talks a great deal, the relief
of description and explanation will lighten off and enliven the
absurdity and weakness of his remarks and reflections. By
the parcel of the 8th you will receive a few chapters of the
new attempt.
I had some conversation with Alexander on Sunday about
the proposed two numbers.^ He has probably told you my
opinion, which is not at this time favourable to the notion.
It appears to me that men's minds run at present so on their
private concerns that there is much less of literary taste than
I have ever remarked before, even in the most disengaged
conversations. For myself, I find a reluctance insurmountable
to do anything till I have fairly settled to my own satisfaction
the course of managing the Laird's biography. That once done,
I shall be able to turn my attention to general topics ; and as
I have now more of leisure than I have had lately, it may be
soon expected.
A few days later he adds the assurance that he has
at last found a way out of this difficulty, which had
set his mind at rest :
John Gait to W. Blackicood.
—
After more cogitation than I ever bestowed on any subject,
I have at last hit upon what I think and hope will have some
novelty in the method of telling such a story as the Laird's.
With this you will receive two chapters which I am desirous
of seeing set up. By writing in my own character I shall be
able to introduce with ten times more effect than I could
possibly do in the Laird's language those incidents of pathos
that of necessity evolve themselves out of the progress of his
^ This heroic expedient for getting rid of a superabundance of matter
seems to have been very pleasant to Mr Blackwood's fancy, and it had
proved successful, but was not perhaps an experiment to be tried too
often.