Before, however, that came on, an unexpected enemy appeared. Foote, imagining the case to afford capital material for his wit, wrote a piece, called “The Trip to Calais,” in which the Duchess was cleverly satirised as _Lady Kitty Crocodile_. Foote, whose real object was to obtain a sum of money to suppress the piece, contrived to let her know what was astir; and the Duchess, alarmed for once most terribly, sent for him. He waited on, and read her a part of his play. She felt the sting, and rose in great passion, declaring his delineation scandalous. He denied that the character was intended for her ladyship, and the play was left for her perusal. An intimation was made as Foote expected; but he refusing the offer of £1,600, and declaring he would not abate one shilling from the £2,000 demanded, he lost all; for her friends interceding with the Lord Chamberlain, he sent for, and censured the play. Foote published a letter of remonstrance, but the Duchess making every preparation for an action at law, he was completely defeated. A paper-war ensued, in which Foote had the advantage, greatly to the amusement, if not edification, of the public. On April 15th, 1776, her trial commenced in Westminster Hall, Lord Bathurst sitting as Lord Steward. She was convicted; but pleading the privilege of the peerage, was discharged with a caution. She left England immediately, and passed the rest of her life abroad. She purchased a magnificent estate near Fontainebleau, where she died, August 20th, 1788. {170a} After the death of the Duchess of Kingston, her mansion at Knightsbridge became the residence, successively, of Sir George Warren, Lord Stair, Lord Listowel, and the Marquis of Wellesley, brother of the great Duke of Wellington, and himself one of the foremost statesmen of the time. He resided at Kingston House some years, living in great retirement, and died in it September 26th, 1842, in his 83rd year. {170b} Kingston House was, after Lord Wellesley’s death, again the residence of the Earl of Listowel, to whom the freehold belonged; and it is at present inhabited by his son, the present earl. {170c} QUEEN’S BUILDINGS, commenced about 1770, and was named after Queen Charlotte. That part of it between Sloane Street and Hooper’s Court was originally called Queen’s Row, the remainder Queen’s Buildings, Knightsbridge, and at one time Gloucester Buildings.