“I am very sensibly gratified by your kind
expressions, whether of condolence or congratulation, and I acknowledge, if not
(with your Highland writer) the
synonymousness of the two terms, at least the union of the two sentiments, as
applied to my present circumstances. I am not so heroically fond of being out
(quátenus out), as not
to consider that a matter of condolence. But I am at the same time sufficiently
convinced of the desirableness of not being in, when one should be in to no
purpose,
| 264 | LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT. |
“I should be very happy indeed to look forward, with the prospect of being able to realize it, to the trip to Scotland which you suggest to me; and still more to the visit included therein, which, as you hold it out, would not be the least part of my temptation. Of this, however, I hope we shall have opportunities of talking before the season arrives; for I reckon upon your spring visit to London, and think of it, I assure you, with great pleasure, as likely to happen at a period when I shall have it more in my power than I have had on any former occasion to enjoy the advantage of it. You will find me not in quite so romantic a scene of seclusion and tranquillity here as that which you describe—but very tranquil and secluded nevertheless, at a mile and a half’s distance from Hyde Park Corner—a distance considerable enough, as I now am, to save me from any very overwhelming ‘unda salutantium.’
“Here, or any where else, I beg you to believe in the very sincere satisfaction which I shall derive from your society, and which I do derive from the assurance of your regard and good opinion. Ever, my dear sir, very truly and faithfully yours,
“P.S.—I expect, in the course of this week, to send you a copy of a more ample statement of the circumstances of my retirement, which the misrepresentations of some who, I think, must have known they were misrepresenting (though that I must not say), have rendered necessary.”
