I shall lay what you ought long ago to have paid me for my _Castle, Spectre_.' "No, no, Mat," said Sheridan, "I never lay large bets; but come, I will bet a trifle with you--I'll bet what the _Castle Spectre_ was worth." Now Constable managed differently; he paid well and promptly, but devil take him, it was all spectral together. Moonshine and no merriment. He sowed my field with one hand, and as liberally scattered the tares with the other.'"--_Mr. Skene's Reminiscences._ [136] These two gentlemen were at this time Directors of the Bank of Scotland. [137] Sir W. Forbes and Co.'s Banking House. [138] An extract from what is probably the letter to Laidlaw written on this day was printed in _Chambers's Journal_ for July 1845. The italics are the editor's:-- "For you, my dear friend, we must part--that is, as laird and factor--and it rejoices me to think that your patience and endurance, which set me so good an example, are like to bring round better days. You never flattered my prosperity, and in my adversity it is not the least painful consideration that I cannot any longer be useful to you. But Kaeside, I hope, will still be your residence, and I will have the advantage of your company and advice, and probably your service as amanuensis. Observe, I am not in indigence, though no longer in affluence, and if I am to exert myself in the common behalf, I must have honorable and easy means of life, although it will be my inclination to observe the most strict privacy, the better to save expense, and also time. Lady Scott's spirits were affected at first, but she is getting better. _For myself, I feel_ _like the Eildon Hills--quite firm, though a little cloudy._ "I do not dislike the path which lies before me. I have seen all that society can show, and enjoyed all that wealth can give me, and I am satisfied much is vanity, if not vexation of spirit. What can I say more, except that I will write to you the instant I know what is to be done." [139] _Life of Bonaparte_. (?) [140] "In the management of his Trust," Mr. Gibson remarks, "everything went on harmoniously--the chief labour devolving upon myself, but my co-Trustees giving their valuable aid and advice when required."--_Reminiscences_, p. 16. [141] The total liabilities of the three firms amounted in round numbers to nearly half-a-million sterling. Sir Walter, as the partner of Ballantyne and Co., was held responsible for about £130,000;--this large sum was ultimately paid in full by Scott and his representatives. The other two firms paid their creditors about 10 per cent, of the amounts due. It must be kept in mind, however, as far as Constable's house was concerned, that their property appears to have been foolishly sacrificed by forced sales of copyrights and stock. [142] Mr. Gordon was at this time Scott's amanuensis; he _copied_, that is to say, the MS. for press.--J.G.L. FEBRUARY.