surely nothing disgraceful in this; but after Miss Farren's elevation to the peerage all those little incidents of her early struggles, were dragged to light in order to put her to the blush. But economy in everything, even in a spoonful of gravy, is rather creditable than otherwise; and the Farrens were bound to be careful, for they were in low water, and had nothing to depend upon but their own wits.
A turning point in Miss Farren's career came when she was invited to superintend some private theatricals which were given by the Duke of Richmond at Whitehall. The play represented was "The Heiress," written by General John Burgoyne, brother-in-law to the Earl of Derby. Miss Farren made a great success in the part of the heroine, and was subsequently known as "Miminy Piminy," a name she was called in the play. Prominent among the amateur actors, was the Earl of Derby who took one of the comic parts. He was married to Lady Betty Hamilton, only daughter of Elizabeth Gunning, the famous Irish beauty, by her first marriage with the Duke of Hamilton. The Countess of Derby was very pretty, but very wild and indiscreet in her conduct, and the marriage turned out most unhappily. From the time that Miss Farren appeared on the scene, Lord Derby had eyes and ears for no one else, and spent his time running after the beautiful actress, who on her part treated him with great hauteur.
