of this permission, in such a
manner as one may imagine: and his own concerns took up so much space
in his letters, that there was very little room left for other subjects
during his stay at the baths. As absence from the object of his
affections rendered this place insupportable, he engaged in everything
that might dissipate his impatience, until the happy moment of return
arrived.

He had a great esteem for the elder of the Hamiltons; no less esteem,
and far more friendship for his brother, whom he made the confidant
of his passion and attachment for his sister. The Chevalier was also
acquainted with his first engagements with his cousin Wetenhall; but
being ignorant of the coldness that had interrupted a commerce so brisk
in its commencement, he was surprised at the eagerness he showed upon
all occasions to please Miss Stewart: his assiduity appeared to the
Chevalier de Grammont to exceed those civilities and attentions that
are usually paid for the purpose of making court to the favourites of
princes. He observed him more strictly, and soon perceived that he was
deeper in love with her than was consistent either with his fortune
or his repose. As soon as the remarks he made had confirmed him in
his suspicions, he resolved to use his endeavours to prevent the
consequences of an engagement pernicious in every respect: but he waited
for a proper opportunity of speaking to him upon the subject.

In the mean time, the court enjoyed every kind of diversion, in a place
where amusement is sought with avidity. The game of bowls, which in
France is the pastime of mechanics and servants only, is quite the
contrary in England, where it is the exercise of gentlemen, and requires
both art and address: it is only in use during the fair and dry part of
the season, and the places where it is practised are charming, delicious
walks, called bowling-greens, which are little square grass plots, where
the turf is almost as smooth and level as the cloth of a billiard-table.
As soon as the heat of the day is over, all the company assemble there:
they play deep; and spectators are at liberty to make what bets they
please.

The Chevalier de Grammont, long before initiated in the English games
and diversions, had been engaged in a horse-race, in which he was
indeed unsuccessful; but he had the satisfaction of being convinced by
experience, that an English horse can go twenty miles upon the high road
in less than an hour. He was more fortu