294 LETTER FROM DR. MACDOUGALL [CHAP. xxiv. 



We find the gown, hood, and trencher cap fit very nicely. 

 This cap suits me much better than the soft velvet one, 

 and I am sure that I should much prefer the black gown to 

 the amazing splendours of scarlet faced with blue. I think 

 on formal occasions, if desirable, I could get up my courage 

 to wearing the quiet black gown, but I should be terrified 

 about the brilliant garment. Dr. Lipscomb is going to tell 

 you that, as matters have progressed, I do riot feel as if it 

 were at all necessary for me to have the convenience of a 

 room in the Hall you kindly procured for me, and if it were 

 permissible for me to " robe " here, and drive robed to the 

 McEwan Hall, it would save me a world of anxiety. I might, 

 I think, carry my cap in my hand until time for capping 

 came. It is so exceptional a case that I do not see any 

 impropriety in being bare-headed for a while. But I am 

 truly anxious that I should appear before all the august 

 body preliminarily under your wing, or, if there was risk 

 for you, under the care of some other member of the 

 University (if they will adopt me). 



[The graduation ceremonial (p. 95) passed off with- 

 out a hitch of any kind, and the students gave the first 

 honorary woman graduate a magnificent reception.] 



TORRINGTON HOUSE, ST. ALBANS, 



April 17, 1900. 



DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE, I really do not know how 

 to begin my letter. There is so very much I want to say 

 and to thank you most heartily for. But first I should 

 exceedingly like to know that you are recovering, and 

 were not seriously the worse for your kindness in really 

 and truly coming from your bed to look after me. It 

 would have taken greatly from my downright pleasure if 

 you had not been there. I was much impressed by the 

 ceremonial. I had not connected an idea of the perfect 

 order, and in some respects solemnity, with the function 

 of graduation. It is an impression never to be forgotten, 

 any more than the exceeding kindness with which I was 

 received. " Dr. Ormerod " also begs her best thanks for 

 the most liberal supply of " Edinburgh Evening Dispatch" 

 and " Scotsman" received this morning [containing ac- 

 counts of the University function]. I am putting your 

 letter, the very first with address of " Doctorate," carefully 

 away amongst the special treasures of my Academic honour. 

 I am trying to get, so to say, " into harness " again amongst 

 the consignments of boxes waiting. 



