e hours to the prorogation. As soon as
the passing of the last bill of supply had set him at liberty, he turned
his back on his English subjects; he hastened to his seat in Guelders,
where, during some months, he might be free from the annoyance of seeing
English faces and hearing English words; and he would with difficulty
tear himself away from his favourite spot when it became absolutely
necessary that he should again ask for English money.

Thus his subjects murmured; but, in spite of their murmurs, he set
off in high spirits. It had been arranged that Tallard should speedily
follow him, and that the discussion in which they had been engaged at
Kensington should be resumed at Loo.

Heinsius, whose cooperation was indispensable, would be there. Portland
too would lend his assistance. He had just returned. He had always
considered his mission as an extraordinary mission, of which the object
was to put the relations between the two great Western powers on a
proper footing after a long series of years during which England had
been sometimes the enemy, but never the equal friend, of France. His
task had been well performed; and he now came back, leaving behind
him the reputation of an excellent minister, firm yet cautious as to
substance, dignified yet conciliating in manner. His last audience at
Versailles was unusually long; and no third person was present. Nothing
could be more gracious than the language and demeanour of Lewis.
He condescended to trace a route for the embassy, and insisted that
Portland should make a circuit for the purpose of inspecting some of
the superb fortresses of the French Netherlands. At every one of those
fortresses the governors and engineers had orders to pay every attention
to the distinguished stranger. Salutes were everywhere fired to welcome
him. A guard of honour was everywhere in attendance on him. He stopped
during three days at Chantilly, and was entertained there by the Prince
of Conde with all that taste and magnificence for which Chantilly had
long been renowned. There were boar hunts in the morning and concerts in
the evening. Every gentleman of the legation had a gamekeeper specially
assigned to him. The guests, who, in their own island were accustomed
to give extravagant vails at every country house which they visited,
learned, with admiration, that His Highness's servants were strictly
forbidden to receive presents. At his luxurious table, by a refinement
of politeness, cho