62 BEGOBBS AND BEMINISCENCES OF GOODWOOD 



" After my marriage," Lady de Eos says, " we 

 were often the Duke's guests at Walmer Castle, and 

 frequently dined at Apsley House." The Duke's 

 kindness to children is well known, and when he 

 invited his friends to visit him, their children were 

 always included. Upon the birth of one of her 

 children the Duke wrote the following letter to Lady 

 de Eos : — 



"June 23rd, 1823. 



"My deaeest Georgy, 



" I sincerely congratulate you. I am flattered by your 

 desire to call the young lady Arthur, and shall be delighted to be 

 her godfather. 



" Believe me, 



" Ever yours most affectionately, 



" Wellington." 



When his goddaughter Blanche Arthur Georgiana 

 was five years old she worked a pincushion for him, 

 and, apologizing in a letter to Lady de Eos for delay 

 in writing to thank the young lady for it, he enclosed 

 the following : — 



" Strathfieldsaye, February 11th, 1838. 



"Deaeest Blanche, 



" I am very much obliged for your beautiful present. I 

 shall now be able to keep my pins, which your mamma will tell 

 you were heretofore stolen ! But I admire your writing still 

 more than your work. 



" Believe me, 



" Ever yours most affectionately, 



" Wellington." 



