Another friend, a clever lady of that time at Simla, speaking of Lord William’s character generally, said, “It is not Bill’s cleverness or quickness to grasp the situation, but what he has got in an eminent degree is what Solomon had. I have always thought that Solomon’s great wisdom was much exaggerated, and that what he really had in pre-eminence, and Bill has too, is tact, doing the right thing at the right time. For instance ... it was not Solomon’s great knowledge that bamboozled the Queen of Sheba, but knowing when she wanted a foot-stool!” CHAPTER VIII LORD RIPON LEAVES INDIA Arrangements for Entertaining Visitors--Lord de Grey’s Shooting--A Good-looking Staff--A Fancy Ball--The Baby cries--Lord William Feeds the Infant--Singing Quadrilles--Pig-sticking--The Tent Club and Its Members--A Case of Mistaken Identity--The Reputation Match--Lord William Resolves to Give Up Racing--Lord Ripon’s Farewell During Lord Ripon’s time in India a number of people came out from home to stay with him, some wishing to combine a visit to their friends with shooting, pig-sticking and globe-trotting. This kept Lord William busy, as he had to make all the arrangements for their comfort, and where they were to stay, when the Viceregal Lodge was full, which was generally the case. Occasionally he turned out of his own house for guests, searched for suitable bungalows for others, making everybody comfortable and yet without the least apparent effort. Rajahs were communicated with, and shoots arranged; horses were found to suit the various riders, chosen in accordance to their prowess, programmes made out for each day, and printed instructions sent on ahead, so that all was in readiness at each halting place, carriages, horses, servants, food, sport and all the heart of man could desire. The happy relations existing between Lord William and the Native Princes made this easier for him than it might have been for many. The present Marquess of Ripon, then Lord de Grey, came to stay with his father, and was anxious to have some big game shooting. He is, as everybody knows, one of the best shots in England. His game card from 1867 to 1891 gives some idea of his skill and the sport provided. I think the years 1880 and 1882 were the years he was shooting in India. GAME KILLED FROM 1867 TO 1891.