4 JULY 1829, Page 6

THE DUCHESS AND THE HONEST MAN.

WE last week copied into our paper a story describing the Duchess of St. ALBANS as having paid her guests the very handsome compliment of walking about her rooms with a candle in her hand in search of an honest man; whom she at last declared she had found, in the person of the old servant of her Grace's shop, Mr. DICKIE. Some years ago, Mr. DicittE would have returned the flattering salutation with especially happy effect. Honest women are occasionally as scarce as honest men, but they are more easily mended. The mention of Mr. DICKIE reminds us of an anecdote which was current when the tender loves of the Grand Falconer and the Widow COUTTS were crowned by Hymen. The lady, who is full of the finest scruples, thought it would be unbecoming in her to wed one of the King's Dukes without the Royal permission. DICKIE was therefore despatched on an embassy to Windsor Cottage to take his Majesty's pleasure on the momentous subject. Nothing could be better-timed than this arrival : the King had just received some despatches from CANNING, which, as was Usually the case, had disturbed his composure, and the Lords in waiting were delighted with so opportune an amusement for his Majesty as an embassy from the Widow COUTTS. DICKIE was therefore admitted, and greatly was the King diverted with the substance of his errand. Of course his Majesty did not forbid the bans, or offer any impediment to the wishes of the enamoured pair ; but before he kindly dismissed DICKIE, he observed to his excellency—"Dichie, the Duke of St. Albans is a greater man, a much greater man, than I am. He can make your mistress a Duchess, and I cannot make you a Duke, Dickie."