"It's the way of the world, sir!" she exclaimed. "The ups are always up andthe downs are always down! I expect they will be glad to have companyat the home, for it must be dreadfully lonely up there--which mightbe exclaimed of this home as well."

It soon became dim enough for me to walk through the grounds withouthurting the sensibilities of their proprietor, and as I arose to gothe good wife of the gardener brought me my cap.

"I dried that out for you, sir, for I knew you would want it, andto-morrow afternoon my man will take your clothes up to the house."

I thanked her for her thoughtful kindness, and was about to depart,but the little man was not very ready for me to go.

"If you don't mind, sir," exclaimed he, "and would step back there in thelight just for one minute, I would like to take another look at you. Idon't suppose I'll ever see anybody again wearing the Duke'sdressing-gown. By George, sir, you do look real royal!"