I hear, by letters from home, that it is said that the Empress of Russia, as well as the Empress of Austria, both hate Frederick; the latter because he has stolen Silesia from her; the former because he has openly said things about her such as a woman never forgives.

Saxony and Poland are jealous of him, and France none too well disposed.

So at present the King of Prussia is like to leave his neighbours alone; for he may need to draw his sword, at any time, in self defence." It was but a few days after this that Maggie Drummond received this short letter from her cousin, Marshal James Keith: "My dear Cousin, "By your letter, received a few days since, I learned that Fergus is now nearly sixteen years old; and is, you say, as well grown and strong as many lads two or three years older.

Therefore it is as well that you should send him off to me, at once.

There are signs in the air that we shall shortly have stirring times, and the sooner he is here the better.