How Lord Clive Won His Wife.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 878, 28 December 1888, Page 4

How Lord Clive Won His Wife.

About the middle of the last century a young cadet named Maskeleyne went to India, where he became acquainted with Lord Clive. The acquaintance ripened into intimate friendship, and led to constant association. There hung up in Maskeleyne’s room several portraits, among others a miniature which attracted Clive’s frequent attention. One day, after the English man had arrived, Clive asked Maskeleyne if he had received any English letters, adding—- ‘ We have been very muoh misunderstood at home, and muoh censured in English oiroles.' Maskeleyne replied that he had, and read to his friend a letter he then held in his hand. A day or two afterwards Clive came baok to ask to ha'Ve the letter read to him again. ‘’Who is the writer V inquired Clive. ‘ My sister,’ was the reply, ‘ my sister, whose miniature hangs there.’ ‘ Is it a faithful representation V further asked Clive. ‘ It is,’ replied Maskeleyne, ‘of her faoe and form, but it is unequal to represent the excellence of her mind and oharaoter.’ • Well, Maskeleyne,’ said Clive, taking him by the hand, ‘you know me well, and can speak of me as I really am. Do you think that girl would be induced to come to India

and marry mo ? In tho present state of affairs I dare not hope to he able to go to England.’ Maskeleyne wrote home, and so recommended Clive’s suit that the lady acquiesced, went to India, and in 1753 was married at Madras to Clive, then rising to the highest distinction.