The Illustrated Times, Friday, 20 December 1867

A TALL TALE ABOUT SETTING SAIL?

Tall Tales and Wagging Tails is a book of children’s stories recently published in Dublin. You might ask what possible interest the Lounger at the Club has in such a frivolous tome. The answer is that it was written by none other than Lady M——, second daughter of the Duke of B——, though naturally her name is not on the title page. Lady M——, who was last sighted serving as bridesmaid at the Royal Wedding a year past in July, has since been determinedly rusticating in Ireland. This is her second confinement from society. Could it be for the same reason as the first? Idle speculation on my part, nothing more—or is it? You decide, Dear Reader, but I ask you, does a leopard change its spots?

I am now reliably informed that the young woman has decided to abandon her homeland altogether and will set sail for America before the end of the year, in which country she intends to settle. In a society which has no aristocratic pedigree nor any blue blood, such tarnished goods as Lady M—— will doubtless be welcomed. In the so-called Land of the Free, a young lady with a penchant for snubbing the well-established rules of good conduct and a reputation for setting a determinedly poor example will find her spiritual home. We wish Lady M—— bon voyage, and our American cousins the best of luck.