Perthshire in bygone days

GENEKAD SIB DAVID BAIRD. 43
supply of that, your ladyship would not have seen me here
to-day." For once her ladyship was discomfited, and
making a virtue of necessity, she put a pound note in the
poet's hand, and said she would be glad to hear of his
recovery.
While Sir David was commmander of the forces in
Ireland, Lady Baird paid a visit to Scotland, and an
additional coachman was required ; amongst other appli-
cants for the office, Patrick Byrne presented himself at Kil-
kenny. The butler announced Patrick, and Sir David's first
question was " What like is he ?" "A tall, broad-shouldered,
handsome man," he was answered. " Where has he been
latterly?" enquired the General. "He has been twelve
months with Colonel O'Donovan at Madison, County
Clare," was the reply. " Has he a certificate of character ?"
" Yes, Sir David, out he is slow to show it." " That looks
ill, send him in."
When he appeared, Sir David looked narrowly at him,
and said, "Well, Patrick ! Colonel O'Donovan must have
given you a certificate of character when you left his
service." "Yes, sor." "Let me see it." "Oh, sorllwas
discharged for a small wakeness, but I am now cured of it
entirely," said Patrick, handing over the certificate, which
the General read aloud. " These certify that Patrick Byrne
has been coachman with me for twelve months. He is kind
to his horses, (" all right,") a capital whip, ("very good,")
but he has always cheated me when he got an opportunity."
" There is nothing in that," said Sir David, "give him no
opportunity John, and d — n bim if he cheats me."
One morning, while Charles Boss was land-steward at
Ferntower, John Pardoe — a faithful domestic — came into
the business-room, while Sir David and Eoss were together,
saying that the coachman was leaving and would be
obliged to Sir David for a character. " What is he going
to do with a character, is he not going to Monzie ?" "Yes,
Sir David, but he may need it afterwards." "Send him
here at once." Coachie presented himself, and the old
General, after looking at him up and down, said, " A
character ! yes to be sure, give him a good character
Eoss. He is a good looking fellow, give him an excellent
character."
Eoss was not always so fortunate himself. It was his
prescribed duty to see Sir David at seven o'clock on
Thursday evening after returning from the weekly market