68 'OLD q' 



injured friends perceived the malice aforethought 

 that had prompted the action. 



On the other hand, while dressing like a peasant, 

 she expected her due, whether she was recognised 

 or not. She frequently encountered unpleasantness 

 at public meetings, by being taken for what she 

 appeared to be by her attire. Thus, she attempted 

 once at a review to cross the parade-ground to 

 communicate with her husband, the Duke, who 

 was present in his official capacity; but she was 

 rudely pushed back by some of the soldiers keep- 

 ing the ground. This threw her into such a 

 passion that it was with difficulty the Duke 

 could appease her, and then only by assuring her 

 that the man, or men, who had prevented her 

 passage had been placed under arrest and would be 

 flogged ! 



So far did she carry her peculiarity of attire, that 

 she sought to disobey Court etiquette by appearing 

 in her apron, after an order had been issued that 

 aprons should not be worn by ladies attending 

 Drawing - Rooms. This the Duchess considered 

 herself privileged to disobey, and at the next 

 Drawing -Room she presented herself clad d la 

 paysanne, apron and all; a garment which no 

 doubt ' toned ' down the scantiness of her rustic 



