ry seriously to content herself
with being a spectator of this entertainment, even though the queen
should have the cruelty to engage her in it: he then took the liberty to
show her what little similarity there was between her figure, and that
of persons to whom dancing and magnificence in dress were allowable. His
sermon concluded at last, by an express prohibition to solicit a place
at this entertainment, which they had no thoughts of giving her; but far
from taking his advice in good part, she imagined that he was the only
person who had prevented the queen from doing her an honour she so
ardently desired; and as soon as he was gone out, her design was to go
and throw herself at her Majesty's feet to demand justice. She was in
this very disposition when she received the billet: three times did
she kiss it; and without regarding her husband's injunctions, she
immediately got into her coach in order to get information of the
merchants who traded to the Levant, in what manner the ladies of quality
dressed in Babylon.

The plot laid for Miss Blague was of a different kind: she had such
faith in her charms, and was so confident of their effects, that she
could believe anything. Brisacier, whom she looked upon as desperately
smitten, had wit, which he set off with common-place talk, and
with little sonnets: he sung out of tune most methodically, and was
continually exerting one or other of these happy talents: the Duke of
Buckingham did all he could to spoil him, by the praises he bestowed
both upon his voice and upon his wit.

Miss Blague, who hardly understood a word of French, regulated herself
upon the Duke's authority, in admiring the one and the other. It was
remarked, that all the words which he sung to her were in praise of fair
women, and that always taking this to herself, she cast down her eyes
in acknowledgment and consciousness. It was upon these observations they
resolved to make a jest of her, the first opportunity.

While these little projects were forming, the king, who always wished to
oblige the Chevalier de Grammont, asked him, if he would make one at the
masquerade, on condition of being Miss Hamilton's partner? He did not
pretend to dance sufficiently well for an occasion like the present; yet
he was far from refusing the offer: "Sire," said he, "of all the favours
you have been pleased to show me, since my arrival, I feel this more
sensibly than any other; and to convince you of my gratitude, I pro