62 Memoir of Tom Smith, 



plied: ^'No, not so extensive as my father's, 

 the Duke of Gordon." 



This discovery of his companion's rank did 

 not, however, put an end to their conversa- 

 tion. He led his horse towards Marlow, which 

 proved to be the lady's road home : she 

 walked beside him, conversing most affably ; 

 and when they arrived opposite her house, 

 she kindly invited him to enter and refresh 

 himself and his horse. He learnt afterwards 

 that this lady was the Duchess of Man- 

 chester. 



Whilst Mr. Smith resided at Hill Place he 

 had the pleasure of a visit from Lord Erroll, 

 when an amusing incident occurred. A day 

 or two after his arrival Mr. Smith was told 

 by his footman that my lord's valet was dis- 

 satisfied with his accommodation. He had, 

 he said, been accustomed to his bottle of port 

 every day. Mr. Smith asked my lord if such 

 was the case. The reply was : 



^'Well, I su2:)pose it is, since he says "so; 



