New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-02-01
THE DUKE or MONTAGU rs i FAIRY GOD
FATHER
From The Queen.

On a certain occasion, whilst walking near the
Mall in st. Janes's Park. he fashion of tho
mobiles aud tops of his time, his Grace observed
middc-aged gentleman in halt-nliitaty garb, de-
cdedly the worse for wear, but exceedingly neat
and precise withal ID the cut and arrangement OF
his dress. And ii so happened that two or three
DAYS running he noticed the poor gentleman walk
ing at the same hour of the day, in the place,
with grave ana solemn STEP and face evidently
full of care. Becoming Interested III the gentlelDans
appearance the Duke caused inquiries to be made
about hun, aud with officially, through one Of his
gentlemen found out some niue portion oil ms Pr
vate history. He was gentleman from one Of the
northern counties who IN early life had sold hls es-
tate in order 10 purchase a commission. and bad
served with distinction or at all events with credit.
IN more than one foreign country, but was now
placed of necessity on haif-pay, by reason
of the conclusion of peace. lie learned
and family down IN Yorksbire-then
nearly q week distant from the Metropolis-to whom
he sent regularly bali of hIs pay, whist he sup
ported himself in poor lodgings near Charing cross
upon the rest, living on from day TO day IN the hope
that he might somehow or other obtain an ONCE
under Gov ernment or from tie Horse GUARDS. winch
would add a little 10 his income.
The Duke, having assured himself that the vet
Gran was worthy of relief. determined to make him
happy quite IN way OF his Own SO he sent his ser
want with polite invitation for HIM TO come and
dine with his Grace at MOntagu House, in White
halt The unfortunate officer stared IN amazement,
as well he might, at rsi thinking 10 Joke, until no
saw the dueA crest on the top of the seal OF tho
note. He soon, however. sufficiently recovered his
sef-possesson to reply that he thanked the Duke
the day and hour named by him. Not the less,
however. was he lost III wonder how the Duke had
found him out and still more why he had chosen
thus to honor him.
When the day fixed for the dinner had arrived
the officer appeared at MOntagu House, where tho
Duke received INN with every sign OF courtesy aud
even respect And when he expressed his surprise
at being hOnOrcd, the Duke took him quietly
aside and told him, with an air OF great gravity anu
secrecy. that he had particular reason for his con-
duct in the matter. TO tell you the PLAIN truth"
SAID his Grace there is In my house lady who has
often you aud who has become SO much inter
ested in you and your fortunes that she very much
wishes for personal interview with you, and
am anxious for reasons of my own, 10 fall In with
her wishes. Upon my soul. she is most worthy
and excellent lady; and think, between You aud
me- that she looks upon you with no slight regard
The poor officer this began to feel httle
alarmedi for he did not like the ldea OF oelhg
handed over 10 the tender mercies OF strange iauy
"A married man, too. as he was and Win children
to boot. la his perplexity and distress therefore,
ne began to mutter his fears that really there
must be some mistake and added, Someone OK
other has been trying TO impose on your Grace or
else The fact is that have wife down
In Yorkshire, and she is the only person for whom
care or did care, and know of no lady beside
her who has right to feel any Keen interest IN
me-"
" no harm shall happen to you; only just follow me
into the next apartment my good friend" Ana
with these words he led bis guest into sumptuous
dinng-room, into which he had no sooner entered
than he saw his own wife and his three rosy eoun'
tTihed children, for HON the Duke had sent down
into YSTShT ana whom bG had 1r9Ggatb he ny e II n G
only perplexed, but alarmed for were they his wife
and children. or only their ghosts and wraths
closer inspection however, soon treasured HIM that
the objects of his love and affection present be.
fore him in the flesh and before the third course OF
the dinner was over tie party were as happy ana
merry could be.
The officer was invited and pressed to stay the night
at MOntagu House, instead OF returning 70 his angy
and uncomfortable lodgings, and TO spend Gay or
two with his wife and chi ldTen there before gong
back home He did SO, and expressed his deep sense
of gratitude FOR the hospitality so kindly and so un'
expectedly shown 10 him.
A few mornings afterward, when he was packing
up his traps preparatory TO his departure, the Duke
called the poor officer into his study and presented
him with a legal document which secured 20 MN q
comfortable annuity for life, remarklng az me saiio
time that he need really feel nS h5jSGG s Grs aS
with q smile 81 am trying, though rather late IN
life perhaps to DO the best that s en0 wh
do viii, and assure you that l should not have
done what have done in respect OF yourself II nag
known how else, or where else, could have found
n,ora ,la.e,pa nd eaf from my outlay"