[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 Constable. The scene, of which a few lines remain in the authorised texts, is that of Hannah Irwin’s Confession to Josiah Cargill. — ED.]

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

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

“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 virtue became at once the object of my envy and hatred: yet, so innocent were the lovers, that, despite of the various arts which I used to entrap them,............