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158 Lady of Avenel does nothing that might not have been better effected by mere mortal agency, and the ludicrous destroys the poetical. It does not harmonize with the fanciful conception to employ it in ducking a monk, and producing a bodkin to shew that a knight was descended from a tailor's daughter; and, after all, this magic intercourse does not affect Halbert's character—he is but what the magic of circumstances alone would make of a high-spirited, brave, and intelligent youth. The same may be said of Mary Avenel—she is born on all Hallows eve—she sees her father's ghost, and the spirit linked to the fortunes of her house, but all this has no result—she is but what a maiden might well be whose birth and fortunes were so much at variance—quiet, meek and subdued, yet with that simple dignity which self-respect and early association usually give. The respect for gentle birth is a characteristic of the Scottish nation, and this if a prejudice grows out of our noblest illusions. It is a disinterested pride, taking something solemn from the dead among whom it must originate. Its chief distinctions are the guerdon of high qualities, of skill in the council, and courage in the field. The good fame of those who have gone before, seems at once the gage and incentive of our own. The common-place of today is coloured by the picturesque of yesterday. Never will there be poetry, generous endeavour,