e considered as if born to support the rank: which placed her so near
the throne.

["The Duchess of York," says Bishop Burnet, "was a very
extraordinary woman. She had great knowledge, and a lively sense of
things. She soon understood what belonged to a princess, and took
state on her rather too much. She wrote well, and had begun the
duke's life, of which she showed me a volume. It was all drawn from
his journal; and he intended to have employed me in carrying it on.
She was bred in great strictness in religion, and practised secret
confession. Morley told me he was her confessor. She began at
twelve years old, and continued under his direction till, upon her
father's disgrace, he was put from the court. She was generous and
friendly, but was too severe an enemy."-history of his Own Times,
vol. i., p. 237. She was contracted to the duke at Breda,
November 24, 1659, and married at Worcester-house, 3rd September,
1660, in the night, between eleven and two, by Dr. Joseph Crowther,
the duke's chaplain; the Lord Ossory giving her in marriage.
--Kennet's Register, p. 246. She died 31st March, 1671, having
previously acknowledged herself to be a Roman Catholic.--See also
her character by Bishop Morley.--Kennet's Register, p. 385, 390.]

The queen dowager returned after the marriage of the princess royal, and
it was in her court that the two others met.

The Chevalier de Grammont was soon liked by all parties those who
had not known him before were surprised to see a Frenchman of his
disposition. The king's restoration having drawn a great number of
foreigners from all countries to the court, the French were rather in
disgrace; for, instead of any persons of distinction having appeared
among the first who came over, they had only seen some insignificant
puppies, each striving to outdo the other in folly and extravagance,
despising everything which was not like themselves, and thinking they
introduced the 'bel air', by treating the English as strangers in their
own country.

The Chevalier de Grammont, on the contrary, was familiar with everybody:
he gave in to their customs, eat of everything, and easily habituated
himself to their manner of living, which he looked upon as neither
vulgar nor barbarous; and as he showed a natural complaisance, instead
of the impertinent affectation of the others, all the nation was charmed
with a man, who agreeably indemnified them for wh