The  impudence  of  this  last  stroke  did,  to  be  sure,
astonish  me.  I  answered,  that  Duckett  was  a  scoun-
drel, and  if  he  were  to  tell  so  outrageous  a  lie  in  my
presence,  I  would  knock  him  down  on  the  spot.  I
also  besought  him  to  put  Hoche  on  his  guard,  par-
ticularly as  to  this  last  story,  offering,  at  the  same
time,  to  confront  him  before  the  General,  and  com-
pel him  to  speak  the  truth.  Shee  answered,  that
was  unnecessary,  for  that  he  was  sure  Hoche  saw
through  him  completely.  But  I  am  not  yet  satis-
fied ;  and  I  believe  I  will  take  an  opportunity  my-
self to  set  this  matter  on  its  right  footing.  D — n
the  impudence  of  the  rascal !  My  brother  Ambassa-
dor !  Marry  come  up  indeed  !  I'll  Duckett  him,  the
scoundrel,  if  I  can  catch  him  fairly  in  my  grip.*

*  I  wonder  my  father  did  not  record  a  laughable  incident
which  occurred  at  one  of  these  dinners,  and  which  he  often  men-
tioned to  my  mother.     The  conversation  was  running  on  the


(lO  MEMOIRS    OF

24>.  Walked  with  Colonel  Shee  in  the  garden.
He  tells  me  that  Hoche  has  selected  the  elite  of  the
Army  of  the  Ocean,  which  consisted  of  117,000
men,  for  our  expedition  ;  that  the  arms  and  every
thing  were  ready,  and  that  we  are  waiting  only  on
the  marine.  He  also  spoke  as  if  in  a  fortnight  or
less  we  might  put  ourselves  in  motion ;  but  I  did
not  press  him  for  specific  information.  The  season
is  slipping  away  fast  through  our  fingers.  However,
I  beheve  they  are  doing  their  best.
25.  Walked  as  usual  in  the  garden  with  Col.  Shee.
