merited his indignation: Russell
was sometimes the subject of his ridicule, but he treated him far more
tenderly than he usually did a rival.

This Russell was one of the most furious dancers in all England, I
mean, for country dances: he had a collection of two or three hundred in
print, all of which he danced at sight; and to prove that he was not an
old man, he sometimes danced until he was almost exhausted: his mode
of dancing was like that of his clothes, for they both had been out of
fashion full twenty years.

The Chevalier de Grammont was very sensible that he was very much
in love; but though he saw very well that it only rendered him more
ridiculous, yet he felt some concern at the information he received, of
his intention of demanding Miss Hamilton in marriage; but his concern
did not last long. Russell, being upon the point of setting out on
a journey, thought it was proper to acquaint his mistress with his
intentions before his departure. The Chevalier de Grammont was a great
obstacle to the interview, he was desirous of obtaining of her; but
being one day sent for, to go and play at Lady Castlemaine's, Russell
seized the opportunity, and addressing himself to Miss Hamilton,
with less embarrassment than is usual on such occasions, he made his
declaration to her in the following manner: "I am brother to the Earl of
Bedford: I command the regiment of guards: I have three thousand pounds
a year, and fifteen thousand in ready money: all which, madam, I come to
present to you, along with my person. One present, I agree, is not worth
much without the other, and therefore I put them together. I am advised
to go to some of the watering places for something of an asthma, which,
in all probability, cannot continue much longer, as I have had it for
these last twenty years: if you look upon me as worthy of the happiness
of belonging to you, I shall propose it to your father, to whom I
did not think it right to apply before I was acquainted with your
sentiments: my nephew William is at present entirely ignorant of my
intention; but I believe he will not be sorry for it, though he will
thereby see himself deprived of a pretty considerable estate; for he
has great affection for me, and besides, he has a pleasure in paying
his respects to you since he has perceived my attachment. I am very much
pleased that he should make his court to me, by the attention he pays
to you; for he did nothing but squander his money upon tha