It was not until after the affair was arranged--not, indeed, until I was actually in the hall--that I heard of our misfortune in selecting the evening which you had already reserved for your own lecture.

I trust that you will allow me to offer you the free use of the hall for any other date which you may select.

My people here, and I myself, shall esteem it a pleasure to be amongst your audience." I was quite overwhelmed.

I could only murmur my thanks.

The Duke went on to speak for a while on general matters, and then skilfully brought the conversation back again to myself and my own affairs.