CHAPTER 27


Lothair reached London late in the afternoon. Among the notes and cards
and letters on his table was a long and pressing dispatch from Mr.
Putney Giles awaiting his judgment and decision on many points.

"The central inauguration, if I may use the term," said Mr. Putney
Giles, "is comparatively easy. It is an affair of expense and of labor
-- great labor; I may say unremitting labor. But your lordship will
observe the other points are not mere points of expense and labor. We
have to consult the feelings of several counties where your lordship
cannot be present, at least certainly not on this occasion, and yet
where an adequate recognition of those sentiments which ought to exist
between the proprietor and all classes connected with him ought to be
secured. Then Scotland: Scotland is a very difficult business to
manage. It is astonishing how the sentiment lingers in that country
connected with its, old independence. I really am quite surprised at
it. One of your lordship's most important tenants wrote to me only a
few days back that great dissatisfaction would prevail among your
lordship's friends and tenantry in Scotland, if that country on this
occasion were placed on the same level as a mere English county. It
must be recognized as a kingdom. I almost think it would be better if
we could persuade Lord Culloden, not to attend the English inauguration,
but remain in the kingdom of Scotland, and take the chair and the lead
throughout the festal ceremonies. A peer of the realm, and your
lordship's guardian, would impart something of national character to
the proceedings, and this, with a judicious emblazoning on some of the
banners of the royal arms of Scotland, might have a conciliatory effect.