"AN HONEST GENTLEMAN 5 



the school attached to the same foundation. As 

 I crossed Tom Quad, on my way to morning 

 school, I used to have the privilege of " capping " 

 his Royal Highness as he was returning from 

 early chapel, and I remember the gracious and 

 kindly response which he always accorded to 

 the salutation of even a small boy like myself. 

 Then, as Prince, as afterwards as King, no 

 courtesy went unacknowledged, and Oxonians 

 had several opportunities of appreciating the 

 growth and development of those popular qualities 

 which endeared King Edward VII. to the hearts 

 of his people. I have a story in my mind which, 

 although it has nothing to do with agricultural 

 societies, I cannot resist quoting, as it so well 

 illustrates the kindly courtesy of which I have 

 been speaking. 



His Royal Highness, with one of his equerries, 

 was one afternoon out for a country walk, in 

 the neighbourhood of Bullingdon, about three 

 miles out of Oxford, when they were overtaken 

 by a downpour of rain. Being unprovided with 

 umbrellas, they sought the shelter of a cottage, 

 where they passed some time in friendly chat 

 with an old dame, who little recked of the rank 

 of her visitor. The rain abating not, the possi- 

 bility of obtaining the loan of an umbrella was 

 mooted. The dame hesitated a little at first, 

 because, as she put it, "I don't know who you 

 are or where you come from, though I think you 

 be college gents." However, she produced a very 

 fine and large gingham, of ancient type, and 

 handed it to the Prince with the words : " You 

 look like an honest gentleman, and I hope you 



207 



