Authors, Scottish -- 18th century -- Biography; Biographers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Boswell, James, 1740-1795
'I went to the castle just about the time when I supposed the
ladies would be retired from dinner. I sent in my name; and,
being shewn in, found the amiable Duke sitting at the head of
his table with several gentlemen. I was most politely received,
and gave his grace some particulars of the curious journey
which I had been making with Dr Johnson.... As I was going
away, the Duke said, "Mr Boswell, won't you have some tea?" I
thought it best to get over the meeting with the Duchess this
night; so respectfully agreed. I was conducted to the
drawing-room by the Duke, who announced my name; but the
duchess, who was sitting with her daughter, Lady Betty
Hamilton, and some other ladies, took not the least notice of
me. I should have been mortified at being thus coldly received,
had I not been consoled by the obliging attention of the Duke.
'_Monday, October 25._ I presented Dr Johnson to the Duke of
Argyll ... the duke placed Dr Johnson next himself at table. I
was in fine spirits; and though sensible of not being in favour
with the duchess, I was not in the least disconcerted, and
offered her grace some of the dish that was before me. It must
be owned that I was in the right to be quite unconcerned, if I
could. I was the Duke of Argyll's guest; and I had no reason to
suppose that he adopted the prejudices and resentments of the
Duchess of Hamilton.
'I knew it was the rule of modern high life not to drink to
anybody; but, that I might have the satisfaction for once to
look the duchess in the face, with a glass in my hand, I with a
respectful air addressed her,--"My Lady Duchess, I have the
honour to drink your grace's good health." I repeated the words
audibly, and with a steady countenance. This was, perhaps,
rather too much; but some allowance must be made for human
feelings. I made some remark that seemed to imply a belief in
_second sight_. The duchess said, "I fancy you will be _a
methodist_." This was the only sentence her grace deigned to
utter to me; and I take it for granted, she thought it a good
hit on _my credulity_ in the Douglas Cause.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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