I had lately returned from Egypt where I had been staying with friends who one evening got up a picnic at the Pyramids to which we were all to ride on donkeys. I was told by that dear good fellow Gerry Portal, I think, but it is so long ago I am not sure, that the best donkey in the place had been secured for me, it was a great gymkhana winner, pure white, and boasted the name of Lord Charles Beresford. So I rode Lord Charles Beresford to the Pyramids. Everything was being called Lord Charles or Lord Charles Beresford at that time, his name was on everybody’s lips, for he was and had been doing great things in Egypt, and it was considered a great honour for anyone or anything to be called Charlie.
I seem to have been recounting many stories of Lord William’s fun and humour, but none of his thousands of kindly deeds, which were strewn throughout his life as thickly as blackberries in September. It is difficult to know where to begin, but I like to think that when the day came for him to cross the border the spirits of some of those he had saved from despair, whom he had helped not once but many times, were waiting to greet and welcome him. I do not think anyone who went to him for help or sympathy was ever “rebuffed.” At times he certainly was imposed on, though he would not believe it, and even when it came home to roost, as it occasionally did, he was most forgiving. One individual in particular I remember in India. He had been in a good cavalry regiment, but got into trouble at one of the Umballa Race Meetings I have already described when there was heavy plunging, trying to recover himself and place his finances on a firm footing again, he only slipped further into the mire, until in a hopeless mess; he then, to make matters worse, outstayed his leave, and was turned out of the service. This man was well known throughout India, and was an extraordinary character, blessed with good looks, a fine figure and physique, a charming tenor voice, it seemed there was much to be thankful for. Lord William thought if once this man was put on his legs again, given a fresh start, he might pull himself together and be more lucky; he therefore paid up for him, and befriended him in every way. This friend, whom we will call Captain X., now devoted his life to racing in India, and he became a formidable opponent, as he had good hands and judgment, and I doubt if there was a racecourse in India that had not made his acquaintance. It was not long before he was in trouble again; once more Lord William and Lord Airlie came to the rescue, meeting with gross ingratitude, for the man could not be straight, he failed and robbed his benefactors at every turn. Lord William was only full of pity that such a talented, fine chap should go hopelessly wrong. Captain X. was very good company, a very fast runner and a strong swimmer; all this appealed to Lord Bill, who tried his hardest to save him, but it was no use. I have been told eventually he helped the man to go away to another country and try again.
Lord William always said his sympathies were with the sinners, but I think they were with everybody in every station of life.
Riding through Cantonments one day he met a soldier’s wife carrying a heavy child who was looking ill. He asked why she carried it, and on hearing it was ill and she could not drag it along after her, and the air was good for it, he expressed his sorrow for its ill-health, spoke a few cheering words, and rode on. That evening a perambulator arrived from an anonymous donor at the door of the sick child’s mother.
More times than I can number have boys fresh out from home been saved from making “asses of themselves,” as Lord William expressed it, by his counsel and help. A youth I knew came out to join a crack regiment. He had more money than was good for him, and fancied himself not a little. His mother wrote asking me to be kind to him. I endeavoured to mother him, but he was so certain he knew everything and was a fine fellow going to show everybody the way, it was difficult to guide or help him. He began racing and betting. Naturally there were older hands at that game than himself, and he got into trouble. At last, when he had come to the end of all his resources, he came to me, but as he was then heavily involved with a native money-lender, I felt it was beyond my powers, and asked if I might consult a friend if I mentioned no names. This I was permitted to do, and sought Lord William’s help. He told me not to trouble about it at all, but send the lad to him. After some discussion he rather ungraciously accepted Lord William’s offer, and went to see him. Happily this turned out better than the other case I have mentioned, for the boy came back radiant, to tell me Lord William was going to settle with the money-lender and put him straight, and when he came into his uncle’s property, which was bound to fall to him before very long, he was going to put it all right with Lord William, but as he had no power to anticipate the money he could only give his word of honour about it.
I wonder if there was anybody but Lord William who would have done this. When in the evening I met my old friend and thanked him for helping the lad with such uncertain security, he replied, “Oh, I never expect to see it again, but he’s a nice boy and has promised to come to me for tips before plunging again.” It rejoices me to be able to say all was paid back and Lord William had a faithful and devoted friend as long as the poor lad lived. He died of heart failure on a P. & O. going home on leave.
CHAPTER X
DEAR LONDON AGAIN
The Man Who Thought He Was King—A Dance After Dinner—How It Ended—Corney Grain in Disgrace on the Door-mat—Racing—Trouble in Burmah—Lord Dufferin and Lord William Go There—Collecting the Offertory in Church—Some Schemes of Interest