And ye shall be his bride, ladye,
Sae comely to be seen;
But aye she loot the tears down fa'
For lock o' Hazeldean."

"MY DEAR MABEL" [wrote the lord of Ridgeley]--"I wish you, so soon
as yon receive this, to communicate with Jenkyns and Smythe
concerning the new parlor furniture I ordered from them. In talking
it over, Clara and I have decided that it had better be covered with
maroon, instead of green, as you advised. I enclose a sample of
damask which they must match exactly. I would I write direct to
them, but think it likely that Jenkyns, the managing man of the
firm, is in your neighborhood at this time. He told me, when I was
in town, of his intention to visit Mrs. Wilson, his sister, I
believe, who lives on the White Oak road, about three miles from
Ridgeley. Send for him, and put the samples into his hands. If he
cannot get the precise color in Richmond, let him order it from New
York.

"The carpets for the parlor, dining-room, and Clara's chamber I have
bought in Lowell. Clara accompanied me thither, and gave me the
benefit of her taste in the selection. I have resolved, also, to
purchase wallpaper in Boston to match these. Say as much to
Jenkyns. I shall have the boxes directed to his care and instruct
him further respecting making the carpets and hanging the paper when
I return.

"Ask Roberts (the mason) whether it will be practicable to build a
fire-place in the large lower hall. Another chimney would be an
unsightly appendage to the roof, but Clara agrees with me, since