[135] In the edition of this chap-book, published in 1807, by J. & M. Robertson, Saltmarket, Glasgow, there is here a break in the narrative, and the following paragraph, with its accompanying heading, is inserted:—
‘Janet’s Advice to Maggy concerning Marriage.
‘While these two old Haverels were thus discussing together at their rocks, amongst other things Maggy told Janet, that although she was now above a hundred years of age, she had a great desire for a husband, but that she would be obliged to use some methods and enticements to make the young men fall in love wi’ her. Upon which, Janet gave her the following witty advice.’
The dialogue then proceeds as given in the edition re-produced in these pages. The interpolation here quoted seems to be by a hand other than that of the author, for it in some respects goes back upon Maggy’s previous statements, and makes an unnatural break in the dialogue.
[136] In an undated edition of the Haverel Wives, published by J. Morren, of the Cowgate, Edinburgh, the story is here brought to a close with the following lines:—
‘When Maggy and Janet had fairly done,
With their clashes from their tongue
They went and birl’d their baubees,
They clash’d and told all downright lies.
Now Janet and Maggy did agree,