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 never before happened to you, you are really in love; but let us consider a little what may be the consequence.  In the first place, then, I believe, you have not the least intention of seducing her:  such is her birth and merit, that if you were in possession of the estate and title of your family, it might be excusable in you to offer yourself upon honourable terms, however ridiculous marriage may be in general; for, if you only wish for wit, prudence, and the treasures of beauty, you could not pay your addresses to a more proper person:  but for you, who possess only a very moderate share of those of fortune, you cannot pay your addresses more improperly.

“For your brother Toulongeon, whose disposition I am acquainted with, will not have the complaisance to die, to favour your pretensions:  but suppose you had a competent fortune for you both—­and that is supposing a good deal—­are you acquainted with the delicacy, not to say capriciousness, of this fair one about such an engagement?  Do you know that she has had the choice of the best matches in England?  The Duke of Richmond paid his addresses