h at once; but
his magnificence only appeared by halves in those gallantries which love
inspires. It was not long since the fashion of high crowned hats had
been left off, in order to fall into the other extreme. Old Russell,
amazed at so terrible a change, resolved to keep a medium, which made
him remarkable: he was still more so, by his constancy for cut
doublets, which he supported a long time after they had been universally
suppressed; but, what was more surprising than all, was a certain
mixture of avarice and liberality, constantly at war with each other,
ever since he had entered the list with love.

His nephew was only of a younger brother's family, but was considered as
his uncle's heir; and though he was under the necessity of attending to
his uncle for an establishment, and still more so of humouring him, in
order to get his estate, he could not avoid his fate. Mrs. Middleton
showed him a sufficient degree of preference; but her favours could not
secure him from the charms of Miss Hamilton: his person would have had
nothing disagreeable in it, if he had but left it to nature; but he was
formal in all his actions, and silent even to stupidity; and yet rather
more tiresome when he did speak.

The Chevalier de Grammont, very much at his ease in all these
competitions, engaged himself more and more in his passion, without
forming other designs, or conceiving other hopes, than to render himself
agreeable. Though his passion was openly declared, no person at court
regarded it otherwise than as a habit of gallantry, which goes no
farther than to do justice to merit.

His monitor, Saint Evremond, was quite of a different opinion;
and finding, that, besides an immense increase of magnificence and
assiduity, he regretted those hours which he bestowed on play; that he
no longer sought after those long and agreeable conversations they used
to have together; and that this new attachment everywhere robbed him of
himself:

"Monsieur le Chevalier," said he, "methinks that for some time you
have left the town beauties and their lovers in perfect repose: Mrs.
Middleton makes fresh conquests with impunity, and wears your presents,
under your nose, without your taking the smallest notice. Poor Miss
Warmestre has been very quietly brought to bed in the midst of the
court, without your having even said a word about it. I foresaw it
plain enough, Monsieur le Chevalier, you have got acquainted with Miss
Hamilton, and, what has