But Rich was not to be talked out of his whim to have no accompaniments.
One morning in the midst of the rehearsal, who should walk on the stage but the stately Duchess of Queensberry.

Lavinia, in quite a flutter, whispered to Walker the name of the distinguished visitor.

John Rich received her with great deference and conducted her to a seat.
"Go on, please, Mr.Rich, don't let me interrupt your business," said the great lady affably.
The rehearsal went on and eyes of the company furtively wandered to the face of the duchess, anxious to know what so powerful a personage and so keen and outspoken a critic thought of the performance.

But the serene face of her grace never changed.
The rehearsing of one act was over, and there was an interval before commencing the next one.

The duchess turned to Gay.
"How is this, Mr.Gay?
Where are the instruments?
Don't you have them at rehearsals ?" "Mr.Rich means to do without a band for the singing.