were then gradually disposed of to Constable and others, to their own great loss, as part of the conditions on which they received a share in the copyright of the wonderful novels which sold like wildfire.

But though in this way the publishing business of John Ballantyne and Co.

was saved, and its affairs pretty decently wound up, the printing firm remained saddled with some of their obligations; while Constable's business, on which Scott depended for the means with which he was buying his estate, building his castle, and settling money on his daughter-in-law, was seriously injured by the purchase of all this unsaleable stock.
I do not think that any one who looks into the complicated controversy between the representatives of the Ballantynes and Mr.Lockhart, concerning these matters, can be content with Mr.Lockhart's--no doubt perfectly sincere--judgment on the case.

It is obvious that amidst these intricate accounts, he fell into one or two serious blunders--blunders very unjust to James Ballantyne.

And without pretending to have myself formed any minute judgment on the details, I think the following points clear:--( 1.) That James Ballantyne was very severely judged by Mr.Lockhart, on grounds which were never alleged by Scott against him at all,--indeed on grounds on which he was expressly exempted from all blame by Sir Walter.