the chronology
of Grammont.

The first, to M. de Lionne, dated "Londres, Janvier 5-15, 1662-3,"
announces the arrival of the Chevalier the day before "fort content de son
voyage. Il a ete ici recu le plus agreablement au monde. Il est de toutes
les parties du Roi." The second, to Louis XIV., dated "Decembre 10-20,
1663," informs the king of the chevalier's joy at being allowed to return
to France, and of his intention to leave England in four days. He also
informs Louis that he believes the chevalier will see the court of France
in company of "une belle {464} Angloise." A postscript, dated "Decembre
20-24," says that the king of England, for certain stated reasons, has
persuaded the chevalier to remain a day longer; and, farther, "Il laisse
ici quelques autres dettes, qu'il pretend venir recueillir quand il se
declarera sur le sujet de Mille Hamilton, qui est si embrouille que les
plus clairvoyans n'y voyent goutte." The third, dated "Mai 19-24, 1664," is
also to the King of France, and speaks of the Chevalier's wife, "madame sa
femme." The next letter is addressed to M. de Lionne, and dated "Aout 29,
Septembre 8, 1664." It contains this important intelligence: "Madam la
Comtesse de Grammont accoucha hier au soir d'un fils beau comme la mere, et
galant comme le pere." The last letter, dated "Octobre 24, Novembre 3,
1664," and addressed to the same M. de Lionne, commences as follows: "Le
Comte de Grammont est parti aujourd'hui avec sa femme."

These several letters, all important to the annotators of Grammont, give
the precise dates of the chevalier's first visit to the Court of Charles
II., and of his departure, and settle the date of his marriage within a few
days. This event must have taken place in December, 1663. Mrs. Jameson and
Mr. Cunningham place it in 1668.

On another occasion I will return to this subject.

G. STEINMAN STEINMAN.

* * * * *

CHANGE OF MEANING IN PROVERBIAL EXPRESSIONS.

I entirely agree with G. K. (Vol. viii., p. 269.) respecting the original
sense of "Putting a spoke in one's wheel." It surely meant to aid him in
constructing the wheel, say of his fortune. As the true sense of this
expression seems to have been retained in America when lost in its
birthplace, so Ireland has retained that of another which has changed its
sense here. By "finding a mare's nest" is, I believe, meant, fancying you
have made a great discovery when in fact you have found nothin