THE LATE SIR EDWARD CUST.
(To THE EDITOR Or TR/ .8PROTATOR.1 Sin,—An expression in the letter on "The Mantle of Elijah" in the Spectator of November 17th recalls to me one of the memories of my youth. It is related in "Safe Studies" that my kind friend, Sir Edward Ctu3t, "once told me that he (or a friend of his) made it a point, when accosted by an acquaint- ance at all advanced in years, whose name he had forgotten of asking the question, • How is the old complaint?' He said that the experiment always succeeded. There was certain to be an old complaint; and the forgotten acquaintance was as certain to be flattered by the precision of his friend's memory." Probably it was of himself, it was certainly not of Lord Palmerston, that Sir Edward was speaking ; and he was clearly recommending the expedient for my adoption. It is said to have been adopted by others. The truly excellent, but somewhat absent-minded, Canon Hugh Pearson is alleged not only to have resorted to this plan when addressing a for- gotten senior, but even when speaking to a forgotten junior to have ventured on the perilous remark, "I hope that your mother is well." It is reported that, being accosted by Prince Leopold in a London street, and failing to recog- nise him, he took refuge in his stock inquiry, which must have startled the young Prince by its unceremonious directness. Can any of your readers tell me whether this story is true? I am tempted to add another incident related to me by Sir Edward. It appears that a blunt American had wished, as a piece of bravado, to appear at Court in his ordinary dress; and Cust, being consulted on the subject, pronounced that two things were absolutely necessary for one who would be presented to the English Sovereign.—namely, a cocked hat and a sword. The solemnity with which the dear old Master of the Ceremonies spoke to me of these nugx in excelsis made me think what a belittling atmosphere such a functionary must breathe! Somehow this toy-tribute of homage to the Sovereign reminds me of the tantalising and befooling sem- blance of loyalty which, in the opinion of a great Roundhead, had to be maintained by the rebel-conquerors of Charles L Mr. Gardiner relates that "Argyle had been heard to say that a promise to keep the king in honour and safety would be fully observed, even if he were thrown into prison, pro- vided that his attendants served him on their knees, and he was carefully guarded against assassination."—I am, Sir, &c., H6tel d' Angleterre, Biarritz, LIONEL A. TOLLFMACHE.
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