[The following extract from the proof-sheets containing Scott’s original conclusion of “St. Ronan’s Well” was sent to the Athen?um of Feb. 4, 1893, by Mr. J. M. Collyer. The proof-sheets are in the possession of Mr. Archibald Constable¹. The scene, of which a few lines remain in the authorised texts, is that of Hannah Irwin’s Confession² to Josiah Cargill. — ED.]

“Oh, most unhappy woman,” he said, “what does your introduction prepare me to expect?”

“Your expectation, be it ever so ominous³, shall be fully⁴ satisfied. That Bulmer, when he told you that a secret marriage was necessary to Miss Mowbray’s honour, thought that he was imposing⁵ on you. — But he told you a fatal truth, so far as concerned Clara. She had indeed fallen, but Bulmer was not her seducer⁶ — knew nothing of the truth of what he so strongly asseverated⁷.”

“He was not her lover, then? — And how came he, then, to press to marry her? — Or, how came you”——

“Hear me — but question not. — Bulmer had gained the advantage over me which he pretended to have had over Clara. From that moment my companion’s virtue⁸ became at once the object of my envy and hatred⁹: yet, so innocent were the lovers, that, despite of the various arts which I used to entrap¹⁰ them, they remained guiltless until the fatal evening when Clara met Tyrrel for the last time ere he removed from the neighbourhood — and then the devil and Hannah Irwin triumphed. Much there was of

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