all will be comprehension and
pleasure.'

We learn from his daughter Mrs. Dickson, that early in life Smeaton
attracted the notice of the eccentric Duke and Duchess of Queensbury,
on account of the strong personal likeness which he bore to their
favourite Gay the poet. Their first acquaintance was made in a
singular manner: it was at Ranelagh when walking with Mrs. Smeaton, he
observed an elderly lady and gentleman gaze steadily upon him, they
stopped and the duchess said, 'Sir, I don't know who you are, or what
you are, but so strongly do you resemble my poor dear Gay, that we
_must_ be acquainted; you shall go home and sup with us, and if the
minds of the two men accord as do the countenance, you will find two
cheerful old folks who can love you well, and I think, (or you are an
hypocrite) you can as well deserve it.' The invitation was accepted,
and as long as the duke and duchess lived the friendship was cordial
and uninterrupted. During his visits cards were sometimes introduced.
Smeaton detested cards, and could not confine his attention to the
game. On one occasion the stakes were already high, and it fell to
Smeaton to double them when, neglecting to deal the cards, he was
busily occupied in making some calculations on paper which he placed
upon the table. The duchess asked eagerly what it was, and Smeaton
replied coolly, 'You will recollect the field in which my house stands
may be about five acres three roods and seven perches, which, at
thirty years' purchase, will be just my stake, and if your grace will
make a duke of me, I presume the winner will not dislike my mortgage.'
The joke and the lesson had their effect, for they never played again
but for the merest trifle.

Smeaton procured a situation in a public office for a clerk in whom he
placed the greatest confidence, and jointly with another became
security for him to a considerable amount. This man committed the
crime of forgery, was detected and given up to justice. Mrs. Dickson
says, 'The same post brought news of the melancholy transaction, of
the man's compunction and danger, of the claim of the bond forfeited,
and of the refusal of the other person to pay the moiety! Being
present when he read his letters, which arrived at a period of Mrs.
Smeaton's declining health, so entirely did the command of himself
second his anxious attention to her, that no emotion was visible on
their perusal, nor, till all was put into the best train possible, did
a