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163 least a year behind-hand with their rent, and that Lovell let them pay just when they liked, not insisting upon a rent-day.

In the spring of 1823, Miss Edgeworth and her sisters, Sophy and Harriet, paid some visits in Scot- land. At Edinburgh they settled into lodgings near their friends the Alisons; but the very first evening was spent with Scott, who desired that they should hear some Highland boat-songs at his house. Of this introduction to Scott, and the first evening spent with him, Miss Edgeworth penned a most vivid account. The next day Scott insisted on showing them the sights of Edinburgh, about whose beauties he was enthusiastic.

Indeed Scott almost took forcible possession of the Miss Edgeworths, so anxious was he to show honour to the author whom he regarded as the most distinguished of contemporary novelists.

Their delight in each other's society was mutual. Scott wrote to a friend at the time : —

I have very little news to send you: Miss Edgeworth is at present the great lioness of Edinburgh, and a very nice lioness; she is full of fun and spirit ; a little slight figure, very active in her motions, very good-humoured, and full of enthusiasm.

Many of the "Northern Lights" were absent at the time of Miss Edgeworth's visit, but she made the