Though excessive, they did not alarm Mrs.Norton, who knew that he was a man of the most serious merit; but he, before deciding, asked permission to telegraph to New York.

He wished to make certain inquiries.

The reply was favorable; he accepted.
The second great artist was a stud-groom of the rarest and highest capacity, who was just about to retire after having made his fortune.
He consented, however, to organize the stables for Mrs.Scott.It was thoroughly understood that he should have every liberty in purchasing the horses, that he should wear no livery, that he should choose the coachmen, the grooms, and everyone connected with the stables; that he should never have less than fifteen horses in the stables, that no bargain should be made with the coach-builder or saddler without his intervention, and that he should never mount the box, except early in the morning, in plain clothes, to give lessons in driving to the ladies and children, if necessary.
The cook took possession of his stores, and the stud-groom of his stables.

Everything else was only a question of money, and with regard to this Mrs.Norton made full use of her extensive powers.

She acted in conformity with the instructions she had received.