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"Yes, your grace; here it is, and a splendid impression indeed." "So it is; much obleeged to you. Well, I must me off. Cold August, isn't it? Did you get the grouse I sent you? All right - no thanks. Fact is, we killed such a lot, didn't know who to send 'em to." The shop-door was now very near, when the duke said: "That infernal picture has fascinated me. I will give you three thousand pounds for it." "No, your grace; you must excuse me. If you or any one else were to offer me three thousand one hundred and twenty pounds, I should refuse it. My price is three thousand guineas, and I will never take one farthing less." "Well, of all the unconscionable - I know I am a fool - but - well - send her home!" A few years ago the lovely Gainsborough was exhibited in the Winter Exhibition of Old Masters, at Burlington House, and greatly admired by numbers who would have been as much surprised as I was if they could have hear this true story of a "Strange Purchase"