of which the Chevalier de Grammont had given the description. He
acquainted Miss Hamilton, that it was Lady Muskerry herself, a thousand
times more ridiculous than she had ever been before, and that he had had
an immense trouble to get her home, and place a sentry at her chamber
door.

The reader may think, perhaps, that we have dwelt too long on these
trifling incidents; perhaps he may be right. We will therefore pass to
others.

Everything favoured the Chevalier de Grammont in the new passion which
he entertained: he was not, however, without rivals; but, what is
a great deal more extraordinary, he was without uneasiness: he was
acquainted with their understandings, and no stranger to Miss Hamilton's
way of thinking.

Among her lovers, the most considerable, though the least professedly
so, was the Duke of York: it was in vain for him to conceal it, the
court was too well acquainted with his character to doubt of his
inclinations for her. He did not think it proper to declare such
sentiments as were not fit for Miss Hamilton to hear; but he talked to
her as much as he could, and ogled her with great assiduity. As hunting
was his favourite diversion, that sport employed him one part of the
day, and he came home generally much fatigued; but Miss Hamilton's
presence revived him, when he found her either with the queen or the
duchess. There it was that, not daring to tell her of what lay heavy on
his heart, he entertained her with what he had in his head: telling her
miracles of the cunning of foxes and the mettle of horses; giving
her accounts of broken legs and arms, dislocated shoulders, and other
curious and entertaining adventures; after which, his eyes told her the
rest, till such time as sleep interrupted their conversation; for these
tender interpreters could not help sometimes composing themselves in the
midst of their ogling.

The duchess was not at all alarmed at a passion which her rival was far
from thinking sincere, and with which she used to divert herself, as
far as respect would admit her; on the contrary, as her highness had
an affection and esteem for Miss Hamilton, she never treated her more
graciously than on the present occasion.

The two Russells, uncle and nephew,--were two other of the Chevalier
de Grammont's rivals: the uncle was full seventy, and had distinguished
himself by his courage and fidelity in the civil wars. His passions and
intentions, with regard to Miss Hamilton, appeared bot