too deeply my own incapacity to attempt anything beyond what I should say to an infant school at home.  The people who come to it are either the families of the servants I employ, or of the children taught by Annie Sandilands.  We live as quietly as possible; Lord Brougham sends me the newspaper and bouquets of flowers; other friends lend Caroline their ponies, and do all kind things.  Some young English girls come here once a week to a Bible class, and we have meetings every other evening at the chapel at home.”  The parting from her little flock at Cannes was a painful experience.  “Our children were first broken-hearted, and after we were gone were roaring so that nothing could pacify them but Monsieur Bettets taking them all into the drawing-room and praying with them.  Those chiefly affected were little Italians, and indeed they seem to have much warmer feelings.”

The course of events in the life of the duchess in Scotland seems to have been very even and not very full of startling incidents during the last years of her life.  Her personal piety was matured, and her works of usefulness were multiplied.  She much delighted in the ministry of Dr. Rainy, who left Huntly in 1853, after a sojourn there of four years.  “I wish much you had heard our three last sermons from Mr. Rainy; I never heard any more useful, striking and impressive.  I was particularly struck by the way he brought out the necessity of taking up the cross in these days, in a real giving up of self, self-love, self-righteousness, self-pleasing.”

IX.

QUICKENED SPIRITUAL LIFE.

The year 1859 is remembered as a season of remarkable quickening of spiritual life in America and Ireland, and later in Scotland.  Such a movement could not fail to attract the attention of the Duchess of Gordon who, living so entirely in the presence of the Spirit, was able to realise the workings around her.  Huntly Lodge was always ready to receive any who were busied with the spread of the good tidings.  Mr. MacDowall Grant, Mr. Brownlow North, and Mr. Reginald Radcliffe were amongst the evangelists who were welcome visitors, as they went about their work of love.  In January, 1859, and in the following months, there were impressive gatherings of ministers who met to bring themselves to the attainment of a nearer walk with God, and to strive for the awakening of their people.  In January, 1860, there was a conference on a still larger scale, twenty-four ministers staying at the Lodge, whilst others found hospitality elsewhere.  There was an unmistakable quickening on all sides.  It was suggested to the duchess by Mr. Duncan Matheson, who had been her missionary in the district for some years, that a great assembly might be gathered together for two or three days in one of her parks.  The matter was carefully weighed by one who shrunk from anything like undue novelty or unsound sensationalism.  But when once she was convinced that it was God’s way she hesitated no longer.  What the world would think was a light consideration with her.  Invitations were sent by the duchess to ministers and laymen of all denominations in England and Scotland.