“It was scarcely my own fault,” I interposed.  “I explained the circumstances to Mr. Hulshaw.  I was promised two pupils if I took a suitable house in this neighbourhood, but, after all my plans were concluded, their father died unexpectedly, and their new guardian made other arrangements.”

“Exactly,” the Duke remarked.  “The only reason why I have alluded to the matter is that I disapprove of the course adopted by my agent, who, I believe, enforced the payment of a year’s rent from you.”

“He was within his rights, your Grace,” I said.

“He may have been,” the Duke admitted, “but I consider his action arbitrary.  Not only that, but it was unnecessary, for he has already found another tenant for the place.  I have instructed him, therefore, to send you a cheque for the amount you paid him, less the actual cost of preparing the lease.”

Now my entire capital at that moment was 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.”