and beauty were.

"The second son of Duke H--, who had just returned from his travels, was
dancing with the princess royal, when a young lady came and desired
me to go and see a stranger, whom all the world admired. Upon which I
followed her into the circle, and observed this object of admiration. He
was dressed in a coat of white cloth, faced with blue satin, embroidered
with silver, of the same piece with his waistcoat; his fine hair hung
down his back in ringlets below his waist; his hat was laced with
silver, and garnished with a white feather; but his person beggared
description. He was tall and graceful, neither corpulent nor meagre, his
limbs finely proportioned, his countenance open and majestic, his eyes
full of sweetness and vivacity, his teeth regular, and his pouting lips
of the complexion of the damask rose. In short, he was formed for
love, and inspired it wherever he appeared; nor was he a niggard of his
talents, but liberally returned it, at least, what passed for such; for
he had a flow of gallantry, for which many ladies of this land can vouch
from their own experience. But he exclaimed against marriage, because
he had, as yet, met with no woman to whose charms he would surrender his
liberty, though a princess of France, and lady of the same rank in --,
were said to be, at that time, enamoured of his person.

"I went home, totally engrossed by his idea, flattering myself that he
had observed me with some attention; for I was young and new, and had
the good fortune to attract the notice and approbation of the queen
herself.

"Next day, being at the opera, I was agreeably surprised with the
appearance of this amiable stranger, who no sooner saw me enter, than
he approached so near to the place where I sat, that I overheard what he
said to his companions; and was so happy as to find myself the object
of his discourse, which abounded with rapturous expressions of love and
admiration. I could not listen to these transports without emotion; my
colour changed, my heart throbbed with unusual violence, and my eyes
betrayed my inclination in sundry favourable glances, which he seemed to
interpret aright, though he could not then avail himself of his success,
so far as to communicate his sentiments by speech, because we were
strangers to each other.

"I passed that night in the most anxious suspense, and several days
elapsed before I saw him again. At length, however, being at court on
a ball-night, and dete