272 The ex-Qiieeii of Naples. 



Ridinof home from Stowe-Nine-Churches one 

 evening with the Empress of Austria and the 

 ex-Queen I was asked if I could get them a glass 

 of milk. Knowing a nice old farmer, a tenant 

 of the Duke of Grafton, at Grimscote, I rode to 

 his house, which, being upon a bank, prevented 

 access on horseback to the front door ; I therefore 

 went into the farmyard, where I met Mr. Gibbins, 

 and told him that I had come to ask for a glass 

 of milk for the two Royal Ladies. Of course I 

 received a ready response, and on the arrival of 

 their Majesties they were perforce obliged to ride 

 up to the back door, where the hostess appeared 

 with a jug of milk and tumblers, and handed the 

 refreshment over the paling where the horses were 

 standing up to their knees in straw. The idea 

 struck me what a nice picture it would have 

 made ! The good people were deeply sensible of 

 the honour done them, and the Empress and 

 Queen thanked them most graciously. 



The ex-King of Naples was not a rider of much 

 experience, but after a time he took the field and 

 was indebted to Lady Knightley for showing him 

 a great deal of sport in the Fawsley country. 



The ex-Queen hunted two seasons and part of 

 a third, and then, owing to her Majesty's health 

 giving way, she was obliged to retire in the month 



