396 B I 0 G RAP H I C AL S KE T C 13 E S.
already 2” said he tp the first group he met; “I may just gang my way back
again.’’ Forward
he went, in spite of all his lordship’s exertions to prevent him. He of
course found the church-doors closed ; but, no doubt recollecting that the
dissenters were not so short-winded, Dolphin proceeded to the meeting-house,
where he remained in his usual position until sermon was finished.
As may well be guessed, the dog was a great favourite with Lord Hermand.
Naturally of a kind disposition, he was particularly indulgent to Dolphin. So
long as his master remained at Hermand the animal fared on the best ; but
during his absence, was treated much in the fashion of other dogs. Dolphin had
not only sagacity enough to understand this, but displayed a surprising degree
of wisdom and foresight in the mode he took to mitigate the evil, He apparently
knew exactly at what time his lordship’s avocations in the Court of
Session recalled him to the city ; and, accordingly, about a fortnight previous
he commenced carrying away whatever he could lay his paws on in the shape of
butcher-meat. These savoury pieces he carefully hid in the woods, to make
up for the scanty fare of brochan to which he was reduced during the “ sitting
of the Session.”
Lord Hermand’s warmth of temper was not confined to occasional sallies on
the bench. A
large party were at dinner, and his lordship in excellent humour, when one of
the waiting-men, in handing over a wine decanter, unfortunately let it fall to
the floor, by which it was smashed to pieces. This unlucky accident at once
overbalanced his lordship’s equanimity. He sprang to his feet in a fury of
passion, and, darting over chairs and every impediment, rushed after the fellow,
who fled precipitately down stairs. The dinner party were thrown into convulsions
of laughter, and had scarcely regained their composure, when his lordship
returned from the chase, and resumed his chair as if nothing had occurred
to disturb the harmony.
Lord Hermand married Miss Graham WDomall, daughter of William
WDowall of Garthland, Esq., but had no issue. His lordship resigned his office
as a Senator of the College of Justice in 1826 ; and died at Hermand on the
9th of August 1827, upwards of eighty years of age. His widow survived him
for several years. He left the liferent of his estate of Hermand to Mrs. Fergusson
and, after her demise, to her niece, the wife of Thomas Maitland, Esq., advocate,
and their second son; with special legacies to the second son of each of his
other nieces, Mrs. Cockburn and Mrs. Fullerton, the wives of two of the Senators
of the College of Justice.
He accordingly did so ; but Dolphin was not of a similar mind.
An amusing instance occurred on one occasion at Hermand.
