He preferred independence and unostentatious
usefulness. No picture of Minto would be complete without a glimpse of his
domesticlife.
Allthe same I would lock up the whole blooming lot!
Last Wednesday we dined at the old Duchess of Marlboroughs.
It looks very critical for the peace of Europe.
Sinclair told me that if I rode like that I should break my neck! Jack Napier and I
walked the whole waywith the teams. Every winter the Melgunds rented a small hunting
box in the Grafton,Bicester, or Pytchley country. Charming man as he is, he has not
thesame personal influence.
He said,I am so sorry to see Donald Stewart has
gone over Robertss head atKabul.
He mayhave judged wrongly in the light of history,
but he judged honestly onthe data he possessed.
Every spring they had a months holiday on the
Continent.
Ionly saw one loose horse come in-Zobrowski had
remounted at once.
They have seen none more steadfast or more
honourable.
And in July theBorder Team won the Lucas Cup for
Volunteer Brigades. He had no claim on thepoliticians, for, while he liked and
admired Mr. Shehad lived there for forty years, and it has been a very happy
gatheringplace for all of us.
It was onlythose who actually worked with him who
knew his quality. Allthe same I would lock up the whole blooming lot! He was at
Cambridge with me, though mysenior, and was a wonderful runner, especially for two
miles. I felt it would havebeen brutal to interfere, the thing was so gravely
ridiculous.
In Scotland theyare not nearly so much thrown
together as in England. There is agreat deal that is interesting, and will grow more
so as years go on.
The nightwas pitch dark, and it seemed ridiculous
to think of going.
One other entry is worth quoting, for it chronicles
a dinner of adelectable club, now, alas!
Jumped ahighish gate on him in a wire fence off the
high road the other day. However, it cant behelped, as I cant afford to keep such
expensive luxuries. But I must say I am just as eager to be off as ever I
was.
I ranfourth in the University two miles when he
won. Then he beganto wonder, as many others did. I ranfourth in the University two
miles when he won.
There seemed to be little speed and initiative,and
the faults were all on the slow side.