As her Grace was one day rambling in the neighbourhood of Chiswick,
she was overtaken by a violent storm, and accordingly took shelter,
in a cottage where she happened to be unknown. Among other topics she
introduced with her usual affability, she asked the poor woman if
she knew the Duchess of Devonshire? "Know her, (answered the woman,)
_everybody_ has cause to know her here; never was there a better lady
born." "I am afraid you are mistaken, (said her Grace); from what I
understand of her, she is no better than she should be." "I am sure
_you_ are no better than you should be, (returned the poor woman,) to
find fault with the Duchess; but you'll never be worthy to wipe her
shoes." "Well then, (rejoined her Grace,) I must be beholden to _you_,
as they are at present very dirty." The good woman perceiving the
awkward mistake, ran to perform the office with great humility, and
received an ample reward.
* * * * *