mankind, or
whether she designed, by this pastime, to divert the king's attention
from the commerce which she held with Jermyn. She was not satisfied with
appearing without any degree of uneasiness at a preference which all
the court began to remark: she even affected to make Miss Stewart her
favourite, and invited her to all the entertainments she made for
the king; and, in confidence of her own charms, with the greatest
indiscretion, she often kept her to sleep. The king, who seldom
neglected to visit the countess before she rose, seldom failed likewise
to find Miss Stewart in bed with her. The most indifferent objects have
charms in a new attachment: however, the imprudent countess was not
jealous of this rival's appearing with her, in such a situation, being
confident, that whenever she thought fit, she could triumph over all the
advantages which these opportunities could afford Miss Stewart; but she
was quite mistaken.

The Chevalier de Grammont took notice of this conduct, without being
able to comprehend it; but, as he was attentive to the inclinations of
the king, he began to make his court to him, by enhancing the merit
of this new mistress. Her figure was more showy than engaging: it was
hardly possible for a woman to have less wit, or more beauty: all her
features were fine and regular; but her shape was not good: yet she was
slender, straight enough, and taller than the generality of women: she
was very graceful, danced well, and spoke French better than her mother
tongue: she was well bred, and possessed, in perfection, that air of
dress which is so much admired, and which cannot be attained, unless it
be taken when young, in France. While her charms were gaining ground
in the king's heart, the Countess of Castlemaine amused herself in the
gratification of all her caprices.

Mrs. Hyde was one of the first of the beauties who were prejudiced with
a blind prepossession in favour of Jermyn she had just married a
man whom she loved: by this marriage she became sister-in-law to the
duchess, brilliant by her own native lustre, and full of pleasantry and
wit. However, she was of opinion, that so long as she was not talked of
on account of Jermyn, all her other advantages would avail nothing for
her glory: it was, therefore, to receive this finishing stroke, that she
resolved to throw herself into his arms.

She was of a middle size, had a skin of a dazzling whiteness, fine
hands, and a foot surprisingly beauti