THE LATE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 137 



sports. But ill-health probably was the cause of this, 

 rather than want of inclination. At all events, I never 

 saw him on a racecourse, or heard of his making a 

 bet. He once came to Danebury in the height of 

 summer, dressed in a long, heavy sable-fur coat, that 

 nearly touched the ground when he stood erect — a 

 garment, I should have thought, more calculated to 

 resist the inclemency of a Siberian winter than the 

 overpowering heat of a midsummer-day ; but perhaps, 

 like a certain person I have heard of, he ' thought 

 what would keep the cold out, would the heat as 

 well.' He was, I always understood, generous, and a 

 good landlord. He allowed each of his tenants a key, 

 that they might drive round the park or through it 

 whenever it suited either their pleasure or conveni- 

 ence. On the other hand, in order to shelter himself 

 from their observation, or from the sight of anyone 

 else, he hid himself under a large umbrella, which he 

 always carried with him for the purpose. 



The world has learned something about his sub- 

 terranean buildings at Welbeck Abbey. They are 

 extremely beautiful and extensive, and possibly the 

 most costly buildings in the country. 



He carried his shyness to such an extent, that in 

 his later years he would scarcely see anyone except a 

 few of his old domestics. I have some remembrance 

 of his town residence, Harcourt House, Cavendish 

 Square, for it was the first house I ever slept at in 

 London. I stayed there when on my way to New- 



