The Count of Manchester, English ambassador in France, ceased to appear at Versailles after this recognition of the Prince of Wales by the King, and immediately quitted his post and left the country without any leave-taking.  King William heard, while in Holland, of the death of James II. and of this recognition.  He was at table with some German princes and other lords when the news arrived; did not utter a word, except to announce the death; but blushed, pulled down his hat, and could not keep his countenance.  He sent orders to London, to drive out Poussin, acting as French ambassador, immediately; and Poussin directly crossed the sea and arrived at Calais.

This event was itself followed by the signing of the great treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive, against France and Spain, by Austria, England, and Holland; in which they afterwards succeeded in engaging other powers, which compelled the King to increase the number of his troops.

Just after the return of the Court from Fontainebleau, a strange scene happened at St. Maur, in a pretty house there which M. le Duc possessed.  He was at this house one night with five or six intimate friends, whom he had invited to pass the night there.  One of these friends was the Comte de Fiesque.  At table, and before the wine had begun to circulate, a dispute upon some historical point arose between him and M. le Duc.  The Comte de Fiesque, who had some intellect and learning, strongly sustained his opinion.  M. le Duc sustained his; and for want of better reasons, threw a plate at the head of Fiesque, drove him from the table and out of the house.  So sudden and strange a scene frightened the guests.  The Comte de Fiesque, who had gone to M. le Duc’s house with the intention of passing the night there, had not retained a carriage, went to ask shelter of the cure, and got back to Paris the next day as early in the morning as he could.  It may be imagined that the rest of the supper and of the evening was terribly dull.  M. le Duc remained fuming (perhaps against himself, but without saying so), and could not be induced to apologise for the affront.  It made a great stir in society, and things remained thus several months.  After a while, friends mixed themselves in the matter; M. le Duc, completely himself again, made all the advances towards a reconciliation.  The Comte de Fiesque received them, and the reconciliation took place.  The most surprising thing is, that after this they continued on as good terms as though nothing had passed between them.

The year 1702 commenced with balls at Versailles, many of which were masquerades.  Madame du Maine gave several in her chamber, always keeping her bed because she was in the family-way; which made rather a singular spectacle.  There were several balls at Marly, but the majority were not masquerades.  The King often witnessed, but in strict privacy, and always in the apartments of Madame de Maintenon, sacred