something under three
shillings. A gift of fifty pounds, therefore, which after all was not a
gift but only the just return of my own money, was more than
opportune--it was Heaven-sent. If I could have given way to my feelings
I should have sprung up and wrung the little man's hands. As it was,
however, I expect my face betrayed my joy. "Your Grace is exceedingly
kind," I told him. "The money will be invaluable to me just now."

The Duke inclined his head.

"I am only sorry," he said, "that Hulshaw should have exacted it. It
shows how impossible it is to leave the conduct of one's affairs wholly
in the hands of another person. Now there is a further matter, Mr.
Ducaine, concerning which I desired to speak to you. I refer to your
projected lecture last night."

"I beg that your Grace will not allude to it," I said, hastily. "It is
really of very little importance." The Duke had a habit which I began at
this time to observe. He appeared to enter into all discussions with
his mind wholly made up upon the subject, and any interruptions and
interpolations he simply endured with patience, and then continued on
his way without the slightest reference to them. He sat during my
remark with half-closed eyes, and when I had finished he went on, wholly
ignoring it--

"This is a strange little corner of the world," he said, "and the minds
of the people here are for the most part like the minds of little
children; they need forming. I have heard some remarks concerning the
war from one or two of my tenants which have not pleased me.
Accordingly, while Colonel Ray was here, I thought it an excellent
opportunity to endeavour to instruct them as to the real facts of the
case. It was not until after the affair was arranged--not, indeed,
until I was actually in the hall--that I heard of our misfortune in
selecting the evening which you had already reserved for your own
lecture. I trust that you will allow me to offer you the free use of
the hall for any other date which you may select. My people here, and I
myself, shall esteem it a pleasure to be amongst your audience."

I was quite overwhelmed. I could only murmur my thanks. The Duke went
on to speak for a while on general matters, and then skilfully brought
the conversation back again to myself and my own affairs. Before I knew
where I was I found myself subjected to a close and merciless
cross-examination. My youth, my college career, my subsequent
adventures seemed all to be su