LADY BETTY CUNNINGHAM and Bailie Anderson both resided in Glasgow early in the present century. The bailie happened to be an elder and Lady Betty a hearer in St. Enoch’s Church. One of her ladyship’s servants had fallen into decayed circumstances, and applied to the bailie for parochial relief; but Mr. Anderson being of opinion that Lady Betty should relieve her servants herself, declined to accede to her request.

When this was told to the lady she retaliated by going to church on the following Sunday with the firm determination of putting nothing in the plate; and the bailie, happening to be officiating at the church-door, she made the most profound curtsy to him, and sailed up the centre of the church. The worthy magistrate and elder was at first struck so much by this excess of manners that he was somewhat dumfoundered. However, in a few moments, he recovered himself, and instantly resolved to be even with her ladyship. He accordingly entered the church, and addressed her, but in so loud a tone that the whole congregation heard him.