The strict observance of family prayer has already been referred to.  A room had been fitted up in the castle as a little chapel.  The duke was 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 fear the Lord.”