A Story of a Duke.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue II, 12 January 1901, Page 59

A Story of a Duke.

The Puke of Newcastle is one of the most modest and unassuming' of men, and not particularly partial to Society, spelt with a big S. He is, however, a man of many and varied interests—an ardent enthusiast in religious matters—keen on photography —always ready to see into a wrong and redress it if possible—or to help anyone with a new idea or invention. Some years ago, a certain infantry officer invented a magazine rifle, and succeeded in enlisting the Duke's interest in it; so he was taken to some very muddy’ fields to make a trial of it. On their return to town, as the Duke’s boots were very muddy, the officer suggested visiting the flat of an intimate friend of his, in order to have a cup of tea and have the mud brushed off. Arrived at the flat, Captain W. explained to the servant that the Duke wanted a brush before he could enter the drawing-room, and leaving him in the hall while this operation was being performed, he went off to find the lady of the flat, to acquaint her of the arrival of her distinguished, but unexpected guest. She, however, was not where he expected to find her, and she passed through the hall before he had returned to the Duke, and seeing a rather insignificantlooking person waiting there, came to the conclusion that it was a lawyer’s clerk whom she was expecting. “Oh, I suppose you are from L.’s. Do you mind waiting in my bedroom? I have no other place to ask you to, as I am giving an "at home,” and both sitting-rooms are engaged. I will be with you presently to give you instructions.” The Duke entered into the spirit of the joke, and meekly followed the lady into the boudoir-like apartment, and waited the denouement. Needless to say, when she had seen Captain W., and the true status of her guest’s position was revealed, she appeared on the scene again, with many and profuse apologies!