man, although his kindness of heart was very great, his simplicity of
character extreme, and his scientific acquirements considerable enough
to entitle him to much reputation in the European republic of learned
men. In this respect Hollingford was proud of him. The inhabitants knew
that the great, grave, clumsy heir to its fealty was highly esteemed
for his wisdom; and that he had made one or two discoveries, though in
what direction they were not quite sure. But it was safe to point him
out to strangers visiting the little town, as 'That's Lord Hollingford
--the famous Lord Hollingford, you know; you must have heard of him, he
is so scientific.' If the strangers knew his name, they also knew his
claims to fame; if they did not, ten to one but they would make as if
they did, and so conceal not only their own ignorance, but that of
their companions, is to the exact nature of the sources of his
reputation.

He was left a widower, with two or three boys. They were at a public
school; so that their companionship could make the house in which he
had passed his married life but little of a home to him, and he
consequently spent much of his time at the Towers; where his mother was
proud of him, and his father very fond, but ever so little afraid of
him. His friends were always welcomed by Lord and Lady Cumnor; the
former, indeed, was in the habit of welcoming everybody everywhere; but
it was a proof of Lady Cumnor's real affection for her distinguished
son, that she allowed him to ask what she called 'all sorts of people'
to the Towers. 'All sorts of people' meant really those who were
distinguished for science and learning, without regard to rank; and, it
must be confessed, without much regard to polished manners likewise.

Mr. Hall, Mr. Gibson's predecessor, had always been received with
friendly condescension by my lady, who had found him established as the