Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/150

 CONTRASTS. 125

After walking about the grounds of Abbotsford, we found, in a small, smoky hut, the widow of Purdie, so long Scott s forester, and confidential servant. She told us stories of the laird, with zeal and pleasure. Her wrinkled face lighted up as she spoke of the days of his prosperity, when his house overflowed with guests. She dwelt, mournfully, upon his kind farewell at her door, when he left for his continental tour, and the sad change in his appearance after his return. We were the more pleased to listen to her tales, and see her honest sympathy, from having just been annoyed by a different demeanor in the person appointed to show the apartments at Abbotsford. We had been forewarned by Johnny Bower that we should be waited upon by an English woman, who felt little interest in Sir Walter, whom she had never seen, and who would try to hurry us through our researches. &quot; But ne er ye mind thaut,&quot; said he, &quot; staund firm.&quot; Yet we did not find it quite so easy to &quot; staund Jinn&quot; driven as we were from room to room, our questions answered in a most laconic style, and the explanations that we desired, denied. The cause of this singular want of attention might have been the discovery of another party upon the grounds, whose expected fee she was probably impatient to add to our own. It is surely desirable thut a spot like Abbotsford, one of the &quot; Mec ca-shrines &quot; of Scotland, should be exhibited to pilgrims either by a native of its clime, or at least by one not deficient in the common courtesy of a guide.

�� �