Lord Seaforth
Lord Seaforth, who was born deaf and dumb, was to dine one day with Lord
Melville. Just before the time of the company's arrival, Lady Melville
sent into the drawing-room a lady of her acquaintance who could talk
with her fingers, that she might receive Lord Seaforth. Presently Lord
Guildford entered the room, and the lady, believing him to be Lord
Seaforth, began to spell on her fingers quickly. Lord Guildford did the
same, and they had been carrying on a conversation in this manner for
about ten minutes, when Lady Melville joined them. Her female friend
said, "Well, I have been talking away to this dumb man." "Dumb!"
exclaimed Lord Guildford, "Bless me, I thought you were dumb."