An Eccentric Host
Lady Blessington used to describe Lord Abercorn’s conduct at the Priory at Stanmore as very strange. She said it was the most singular place on earth. The moment any persons became celebrated they were invited. He had a great delight in seeing handsome women. Everybody handsome he made Lady Abercorn invite; and all the guests shot, hunted, rode, or did what they liked, provided they never spoke to Lord Abercorn except at table. If they met him they were to take no notice. At this time, Thaddeus of Warsaw was making a noise. “Gad!” said Lord Abercorn, “we must have these Porters. Write, my dear Lady Abercorn.” She wrote. An answer came from Jane Porter, that they could not afford the expense of travelling. A cheque was sent. They arrived. Lord Abercorn peeped at them as they came through the hall, and running by the private staircase to Lady Abercorn, exclaimed, “Witches! my lady. I must be off,” and immediately started post, and remained away till they were gone.