The circumstances, an outline of which is given in these pages, happened a veryshort time ago to a native of North Britain, who left his own country early inlife, in consequence of political animosities and an ill-advised connection inmarriage. It was some years after that he formed the fatal attachment which isthe subject of the following narrative. The whole was transcribed verycarefully with his own hand, a little before he set out for the Continent inhopes of benefiting by a change of scene, but he died soon after in theNetherlands—it is supposed, of disappointment preying on a sickly frameand morbid state of mind. It was his wish that what had been his strongestfeeling while living, should be preserved in this shape when he was nomore.—It has been suggested to the friend, into whose hands themanuscript was entrusted, that many things (particularly in the Conversationsin the First Part) either childish or redundant, might have been omitted; but apromise was given that not a word should be altered, and the pledge was heldsacred. The names and circumstances are so far disguised, it is presumed, as toprevent any consequences resulting from the publication, farther than theamusement or sympathy of the reader.