Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

38 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD.
one had thought of attributing authorship to a lady in
society, considered in those days to be protected, and
superior to any wish of entering the arena of letters
—or, indeed, any other. We may well imagine that
there was no restraining the new author after this
enthusiastic opinion, which was no "unmeaning com-
pliment," and that the half-completed story was carried
on with energy and satisfaction. About three weeks
later it would appear that a second portion of the tale
had been forwarded to him, and Mr Blackwood writes
again :
—
Both May 1817.
Mr Blackwood embraces the opportunity of returning the
MS. to ofifer his warmest thanks to the author for the high
enjoyment he has received from it. It is unnecessary for him
to repeat how much he is flattered by his observations being
considered as at all worthy of notice by one who is so far above
his feeble praise, and who stands so little in need of criticism.
Mr B. cannot forbear remarking how admirably the cold and
selfish character of Lady Juliana continues to be sustained, as
well as the fine contrast afforded by the sensitive and feeling
heart of her devoted daughter. Every one has felt in youth
the glow of enthusiasm so well portrayed in Mary ; and any
one who has ever associated with the English of a certain class
will at once recognise in Dr Eedgill the hving portrait of hun-
dreds, though never before hit off so well. The first paragraph
of the second chapter is alike remarkable for its truth, brevity,
and neatness. Mr B, hopes he will be excused for making these
observations, which he has been tempted to make from the por-
tion he now has before him being so small. If he had attempted
to say what he felt on perusing the former part of the work, he
fears he would have said too much for the author's patience, and
at the same time would not have been able to do justice to his
own feelings. He anxiously hopes that the author will not lag,
but finish the work with all convenient speed. When it suits
the author's conveniency Mr B. need not add how happy he
would be to receive either a large or small portion of the MS.