t coquet
Middleton, while at present he is at no expense, though he frequents the
best company in England."

Miss Hamilton had much difficulty to suppress her laughter during this
harangue: however, she told him that she thought herself much honoured
by his intentions towards her, and still more obliged to him for
consulting her, before he made any overtures to her relations: "It will
be time enough," said she, "to speak to them upon the subject at your
return from the waters; for I do not think it is at all probable that
they will dispose of me before that time, and in case they should be
urgent in their solicitations, your nephew William will take care to
acquaint you; therefore, you may set out whenever you think proper; but
take care not to injure your health by returning too soon."

The Chevalier de Grammont, having heard the particulars of this
conversation, endeavoured, as well as he could, to be entertained
with it; though there were certain circumstances in the declaration,
notwithstanding the absurdity of others, which did not fail to give
him some uneasiness. Upon the whole, he was not sorry for Russell's
departure; and, assuming an air of pleasantry, he went to relate to the
king how Heaven had favoured him by delivering him from so dangerous a
rival. "He is gone then, Chevalier," said the king. "Certainly, sir,"
said he; "I had the honour to see him embark in a coach, with his
asthma, and country equipage, his perruque a calotte, neatly tied with
a yellow riband, and his old-fashioned hat covered with oil skin, which
becomes him uncommonly well: therefore, I have only to contend with
William Russell, whom he leaves as his resident with Miss Hamilton; and
as for him, I neither fear him upon his own account, nor his uncle's;
he is too much in love himself to pay attention to the interests of
another; and as he has but one method of promoting his own, which is by
sacrificing the portrait, or some love-letters of Mrs. Middleton, I have
it easily in my power to counteract him in such kind of favours, though
I confess I have pretty well paid for them."

"Since your affairs proceed so prosperously with the Russells," said the
king, "I will acquaint you that you are delivered from another rival,
much more dangerous, if he were not already married: my brother has
lately fallen in love with Lady Chesterfield." "How many blessings at
once!" exclaimed the Chevalier de Grammont: "I have so many obligations
to him for