One of the best authenticated stories of the fifth Duke relates to his
habit of riding alone in a carriage specially constructed to secure
privacy. As was natural the more it became known that he wanted to
escape observation the more was curiosity aroused to see him, so that a
considerable part of his life was spent in adopting stratagems to
prevent sight-seers from catching a glimpse of the aristocratic enigma.
The carriage was so made that when the doors were closed no one could
see into it, though there were spy-holes arranged that the Duke could
look out on all sides and not be observed.
One day the Duke had sent his usual written order for his carriage to
proceed by road to London.
The postillions started quite oblivious that they had his Grace with
them in his mysteriously-constructed vehicle.
It was a long journey, and as they passed stage after stage, their
delays for refreshments became longer and their stoppages more frequent.
They had just pulled up at a country inn when they were horrified to
hear a sepulchral voice from the hearse-like chariot shouting,
"What the devil are you stopping for?"
These few words were enough.
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