This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 edition. Excerpt: ... MT. 49. AT YORK: BUSY HOURS. 49 'all ready to begin; Bairn by my side, --kettle sing'ing, fire golden, tea-things ready.' Though he had 'come to play, ' he had as usual been working. Among his voluntary vacation tasks, he executed a 'commission, ' as he styles it, for his Niece, --a small-sized head of her father, one of his own brothers: a vigorous and characteristic portrait. 'It looks grave, but is very like. Get thy brass 'ready. Commissions paid for on delivery. ' Another 'nice study, ' he has also 'to-day, ' Sept. 14th), finished: 'the head of little Mary Ann, ' niece one remove. And he has 'been making a little 'portrait, or, rather, ' is 'now making one, of Miss 'Harper, which like thine is a commission: and like 'thine, I look for pay.'--' I believe, ' he continues, 'the Family of the Forests has found a father: I 'hope not a step-father.'--'Franklin has not been 'idle: has drawn my garden, --which he hopes 'thou willst buy of him, and encourage "native '" talent," now thou art giving commissions;--a bit 'of St. Mary's Abbey, and some other things.' The Painter does not wholly neglect 'play' for work; 'dining out' more than sufficiently: 'by 'invitation, at the Deanery; next day at Tang Hall, &c. And 'Monday evening, we gave a grand enter'tainment at Abbey Cottage, "to several persons of 'distinction: " tea and toast, and other rarities of the 'season.'--' Don't be surprised, if I should make my 'market: and then, my lass, tkou'lst have to take up 'thy bed and walk. Only don't take up mine. It 's 'a very warm and comfortable one.' For York, he has meanwhile, bought himself 'such a splendid eld VOL. II. E 'fashioned bed-hanging, --like Paolo Veronese. That 'and the creamy blanket look well. ' Excursions varied the programme of his...