always present, and now, in the absence of the chaplain and the duchess,
used to conduct the prayers himself. In later years, when the widow
returned to Huntly Lodge, exactly at half-past nine in the morning and
evening the household assembled for prayers. Both indoor and outdoor
servants were first gathered together. The butler then came to the
duchess, and in words which we are assured were never varied by one
syllable or accent during the twenty-seven years of her grace's
widowhood and his own stewardship, announced, "They're all assembled." A
brief blessing was asked, a psalm or hymn read, the organ led the voice
of praise, a passage of Scripture was read and frequently explained. A
prayer followed, in which the duchess wished that the Queen should never
be forgotten.

Very faithfully the duchess sought to do her duty in bringing the
interests of religion before those with whom she had to do, especially
those of her own household. "But you do not know the difficulty I have
in speaking to any one who does not meet me half way. I think if I could
see my way clearly, I might get over this painful shyness, which I then
know would be want of faith. But I cannot see that, situated as I am, it
is my duty; and moreover, I _fancy_ I have not the talent, and it is not
one which I have to account for; for I have so often done more harm than
good, even when I have prayed to be directed; indeed, I trust I have not
often had to speak without that prayer.... Oh! I do pray for more zeal
for souls, more true sense of their infinite value; for I think if I
felt it as I _see_ it, I should do more."

V.

THE HEAVY BLOW.

In the summer of 1835 the duke and duchess made a tour on the Continent.
Even amidst all the movements and difficulties connected with hotel
life, family prayers were not neglected. Every morning before starting
they assembled together to ask God's blessing. The duchess on this tour
had daily opportunities of reading the Bible with her husband. She was
very anxious about his soul's welfare. His testimony to his old friend,
Colonel Tronchin, at Geneva, was very significant. "Tronchin, I am a
very changed man to what you once knew me, and I owe it all to my dear
wife." She herself writes with reference to the duke--"He has done and
said many things since he came here which almost give me hope that the
Spirit of God is really at work, and that he begins to experience
something of the blessedness of those who fea