in process of time, her jewels were again thus given. In former years she had recorded, "The duke allowed me to sell £600 worth of diamonds, quaintly saying 'that stones were much prettier in a chapel wall than around one^s neck'"
Now that she had no one to consult but her own will, she cheerfully laid her ornaments on the altar of benevolence and piety.
On the disruption of the Church of Scotland, on the subject of State patronage, the Duchess of Gordon took a most decided course. It is impossible to do anything like justice in this brief sketch to so important a subject as the establishment of the Free Church of Scotland. It is enough to record that, faithful to her convictions, the Duchess of Gordon helped forward what she believed to be the right. It was a trial—a loss to her—to be obliged to differ from many whom she loved and esteemed; but we have seen enough of her character to know that she would not confer with flesh and blood, or be deterred by any worldly considerations in treading what she deemed the path of duty. Her course was resolute, and her name will ever be venerated among those faithful ministers of the Kirk, who were willing to encounter the loss of all earthly benefits, so that the purity of the Church, in their belief, might be promoted.
Of course, for years there was turmoil and great searchings of heart; but yet, living among her
