CHAPTER XXXIII 



The late Duke senior Knight of the Thistle — Anticipations resi^ecting 

 his will — The reading — The numerous codicils — The beneficiaries, 

 etc. — Litigation — Condition of his grace's library, bequeathed to 

 E. B. Douglas, Esq. — Sale of the family plate — The wines — Further 

 litigation anticipated— Sale of carriages at Tattersall's. 



At the time of his decease the Duke of Queensberry 

 was senior Kjiight of the Thistle. Decorations of this 

 character were then more worn, as suiting the attire 

 of the period, than now. Once, shortly after its be- 

 stowal, his grace was returning from some place of 

 entertainment in the small hours of the morning 

 accompanied by a brother-peer, when an incident 

 occurred somewhat like that recorded by Lord 

 Brougham. As the two noblemen wended their 

 way homeward, gorgeous in attire and decorations, 

 the sight of them raised a guffaw from some dis- 

 penser of the pure and unadulterated, etc. ' Ah ! ' 

 exclaimed his grace to his companion, at the same 

 time tapping the star on his breast, 'have they 

 found out this humbug at last ? ' — a sentiment, though 



