[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIR,—Among all the amusing
instances of absence of mind given by your correspondents, I have read no better one than that told of my late brother-in-law, Sir John Crampton, when Ambassador at St. Petersburg. He wished his marriage (a most unfortunate one, as it turned out) with Victoire Balfe, daughter of the well-known composer, to take place in the Embassy rather than in the English chapel ; and on the wedding-morning, Dr. Law, the chaplain, " presented himself in his robes to perform the ceremony. As no one seemed stirring, he strolled into the Chancery to ring the bell, but found it empty save for the presence of the Ambassador, who. was seated writing at one of the official tables. At the chap- lain's entrance, he looked up and said, Well, doctor, and what can I do for you ? '—' It is I who have come to do a service for your Excellency,' replied Dr. Law. I have come to marry you.'—' To be sure, to be sure,' answered Sir John ;
pray sit down. And when I have finished my letter, 1 will change my coat, and be ready in a minute." The story is told in the Rev. A. S. Thompson's " Not es."—I am, Sir, &c.,
Llanwnda Vicarage, Carnarvon. F. M. WILLIAMS.
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