The Conscientious Elder

The late Duke of Hamilton, during the races at Haruilton some years uo, invited certaiu teuiiut farmers ro the palace to wituess the sports. Aniong ihose who canie were some elders of the kirk and one who held a similar office n the ïYee chureh. After the races vere over the duke asked the Free chureh eider how he had enjoyed himself. "Grand, your grace, jnst grand, and I've won some bits o' bawbees, too, but dinua let on to onybody, for I'm an Blder. " "Tut, Kever mind that," said the dnke. "So-and-so and So-and-so have been bettiug, too, aud they are elders. " "Ou, aye They are elders aae doot, but they are auld kirk elders, an they're uo' nearly so strict aboot their duties as ns Fi-ee church folk. "-