he very place in
which to start a flourishing school, of which your girls could take
full advantage.

'Accompanied by dear Mrs Macintyre, I went to see his Grace. I was
surprisingly successful in my interview. The Duke was quite charmed
with my suggestion. He was much taken also with Mrs Macintyre. In
short, he agreed to let the Palace of the Kings to my friend. I do not
think he will ask a high rent for the lovely place, and, from a very
broad hint he threw out, I expect he will give us the present
magnificent furniture. You will be expected to pay the rent--a mere
trifle. Your sister, if I admit a mixed school, will be asked to
subscribe five hundred pounds for the rearranging of the grounds. The
Duke will put the Palace into full repair, and with our united
aid--for, of course, I shall not keep back my mite--we shall have the
most flourishing school in Scotland opened and filled with pupils by
the middle of September. In fact, I consider the scheme settled.
There will be a large and flourishing school in your midst, for his
Grace would only do things in first-rate style. Now I consider the
matter accomplished. The school will be opened in September, and as I
really cannot stand any more of your fidgeting--such shocking style!--I
will wish you good-night. Of course, not a word of _thanks_ on your
part. I overlook all _those_ little politenesses. The righteous look
for their reward on _High_! Good-night, good-night! No arguments
to-night, pray. I do not wish to listen to your objections to-night.
You will naturally have them, but they will be overcome. Mrs Macintyre
is a pearl amongst women. Good-night, George; good-night.'

Miss Delacour left the room. George Lennox did not go to bed that
night until very late.

'Well,' he said to himself at last, 'I did not know I could be snubbed
by any one; but that woman, she drives me wild. However, I will call
my own children by the names I wish, and will _not_ assist her with her
school. _I_ to pay the rent, forsooth! I to send my darlings to
school, when I long ago made up my mind that they should never go to
one. Dear Cecilia to be robbed of five hundred pounds and that _pearl
of a woman_ established in our midst. Not quite, Agnes Delacour! We
of the Upper Glen resist. How I wish Hollyhock had been here to-night
when the woman attacked me! No wonder my Lucy could not abide her.
However, I am the master of my own money, and the father of my own