The Conscientious Elder

The Conscientious Elder.

The late Duke of Hamilton, during the races at Hamilton some years ago, invited certain tenant farmers to the palace to witness the sports. Among those who came were some elders of the kirk and one who held a similar office in the Free church. After the races were over the duke asked the Free church elder how he had enjoyed himself. "Grand, your grace, just grand, and I've won some bits o' bawbees, too, but dinna let on to anybody, for I'm an elder." 

"Tut, never mind that," said the duke. "So-and-so and So-and-so have been betting, too, and they are elders." 

"Ou, aye! They are elders nae doot, but they are auld kirk elders, an they're no' nearly so strict about their duties as us Free church folk." --Realm.