Marjorie Fleming

The fame of Marjorie Fleming rests upon that of Sir Walter Scott, for all who are familiar with the life of that greatman know of his little child friend, Marjorie Fleming. She was the niece of a Mrs. Wm. Keith, of No. 1 North Charlotte street, Edinburgh.

She was born January 15th, 1803, and, according to her sister's account, was a child of robust health. Her wise, quaint ways and her special gift for memorizing and reciting poetry made her a rare child. She became almost the idol of Sir Walter Scott, who also was a kinsman of the Keiths. He had a private key to their house, so that he might see his little friend as often as he could find time. He would have her at his own house, No. 39 Castle street, and shut himself up with her for hours at a time, playing with her like a great boy, pretending to be her pupil, and making stupid mistakes in his lessons, etc. Her mind was prematurely matured; she wielded her pen with ease, wrote verses, kept a journal, and wrote copious letters to her friends. Here is an extract from her diary: "This is Saturday and I am very glad of it because I have play half the Day and I get money too, but alas I owe Isabella 4 pence for I am fined 2 pence whenever I bite my nails. Isabella is teaching me to make simme colings nots of interrigations peorids, commoes, etc. . . . As this is Sunday I will meditate upon Senciable and Religious subjects. First I should be very thankful I am not a begger."

This is a specimen of her verse:

She was just eight years old when she fell ill of the measles. A great celebration in the family greeted her convalescence, and she was over-excited. However, she went to bed apparently none the worse; but a few hours later she cried out, "My head, my head!"

"Three days of the dire malady, 'water in the head,' followed and the end came" (Dec. 19th, 1811).