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(which I see you very properly make a
sort of kernel of criticism in the Life) the
best thing I'd heard said on Scott.

Its a great piece of work: and it is most
artistically woven together. Very difficult
indeed must be the task of architecting such
a work. How well you make all the
motifs follow through - the literary
side, and the domestic, professional, financial,
etc. - and all in your easy flowing
urbane, lucid, rippling style - that
makes everything so pleasant.

Ah we are happy that can thoroughly
know and enjoy Sir Walter's work: Will
future generations understand the best
of the Scottish novels; or will the tongue
that Andrew Fairservice and the Bailie, Jeanie
Deans, Meg Merrilees, Dandie Dinmont