Show An Unexpected Reply The duke of Wellington writes Sir William Fraser detested being helped not from ingratitude but from two distinct distinct distinct dis dis- dis- dis feelings one feelings one that he did not like to be thought what he certainly was not decrepit the other that he knew very well that the majority of persons who helped him did so in order order order or or- der to be able to say that they had done so This to him was revolting St StandIng Standing Stand Stand- nd- nd Ing opposite the Apsley house in the evening in Piccadilly when the street was wac even more crowding than it is isnow isnow isnow now the duke was hesitating on the curbstone A gentleman nearly as old as himself made some demonstration tion of assisting him to cross the road endeavoring to check the tide of cabs and other vehicles that was setting strongly When the duke reached the gate of ot Apsley house he touched his hat and said I thank you sir The elderly stranger immediately uncover uncover- ed Holding his hat at his knee he addressed the duke as follows My My lord I have passed a long and not uneventful uneventful uneventful un un- un- un eventful life but never did I hope to reach the day when I might be of the slightest assistance to the greatest greate t man that ever lived The duke looked at him calmly and in a voice not the least choked by by emotion replied replied- Dont be a fool and walked Into Apsley house |