138

THE EXCURSION.

DR. Freeman found himself so much benefited by the little excursion he had taken, from the relaxation it had afforded his mind, that he determined to pursue the advantage, with the hope of laying up in store a supply of health that might last him for some time to come, and strengthen him for a renewed attack upon his professional employments. With this view he accepted the invitation of his friend, Duncan Stuart, to accompany him from his house in Northumberland, upon a visit to his relations in Scotland. Duncan was a young man of excellent heart and understanding, possessing an inherent politeness of manner that distinguished him in every circle; and however differing in age, a variety of interesting circumstances had cemented between these friends a deep-rooted and mutual regard.

They shortly commenced their journey, and

leisurely made their way to Edinburgh; there having spent some little time, Duncan left the Doctor to himself, while he went over to the Fifeshire coast to pass a day or two with some of his relatives and friends. This interval, the Doctor intended to devote to a survey of the various objects with which the town abounds, and which are so highly deserving the attention of the stranger. As he was enquiring of the waiter of the hotel the way to Holyrood Palace, the same question was put by another inmate of the house, evidently as great a stranger to the place as himself.

"Sir," said the Doctor, addressing him, "I conceive that it is possible you may be bent upon the same object with myself, and if so, I shall be happy in accompanying you to a place which excites my attention, not so much, perhaps, from an expectation of seeing any thing striking, as from the desire of visiting the ruins of the chapel."

The stranger bowed, and lighting up a griefworn countenance with an expression indicative of pleasure, they left the house together. As they walked down Prince's Street, the Doctor could not help remarking the very striking dis

tinction manifested in the buildings and streets on the sides of the opening here between the Old and New Town. "Here," said he, "may, at a single glance, be seen not merely the difference of taste in separate ages, but the astonishing improvement in the knowledge and art of building in times not very remote from each other; there you perceive houses carried to a height, which it tires the eye to measure, and from the windows of which it must be painful to look down; here, less lofty, more convenient, handsome and commodious, the eye rests upon these with pleasure; - there, the streets contracted and dark, exclude the light and air; here, broad and open, they invite the entrance. of the sun and wind: cleanliness and health seem to dwell in one, whilst dirt and sickness must prevail in the other. Then observe how frequently your attention is caught by some striking object; see that fine building; the bridge on the left; the church before you; above it, the castle hanging in the air; and beyond all, those lovely mountains."

"My eye," said Graves, (for that was the stranger's name,) "is now directed to the objects as you mention and point them out with a

feeling and warmth of expression which make it evident that you possess taste for these things. Had I been by myself, I must confess, my mind would not have been arrested by these, certainly, fine objects. I am a spectator, now, from necessity, not from choice; there was, indeed, a time when I loved to gaze upon these novelties, and I could dwell upon the beauties of nature and art; but it is gone by, and she with whom I delighted to exchange all my thoughts upon such subjects is, alas! no more; and I have lost all relish for unsubstantial and fleeting pleasures."

"I fear," said the Doctor, "that you have suffered from some heavy calamity; and yet youth is so much upon your side, that I should hope time would gradually efface whatever has thus contributed to cloud your happiness."

"Never," replied he, " for I am deservedly wretched. Excuse me for thus obtruding upon a stranger the expression of my feelings, which have thus inadvertently been betrayed. I have been here waiting for the execution of some business, and as this overplus of time is left upon my hands, I am compelled to beguile it by

occupying myself in looking around me; and I feel happy that any circumstances should have thrown me into the society of one like yourself, whom I conceive to be a Minister of our Church."

"Sir," replied the Doctor, "I am what you suppose me to be, and I shall have pleasure during the little time I am here, to improve an acquaintance thus accidentally begun; and I would fain entertain the hope that I may be allowed to sympathize with you in your sufferings, and that I may be permitted to offer you the consolation under them which it may be in my power to give: and I hope to be better known to you as Dr. Freeman."

"Dr. Freeman," he replied, "I feel greatly obliged by your willingness to lend me such assistance as I have long desired to obtain, without having had the courage to solicit it; perhaps you will have no objection that we should dine at the hotel together, either in your room or mine, when I shall be glad to make my situation better known to you, and solicit your consolatory aid."

"Gladly," rejoined the Doctor; "but we have been wandering from our directions; for