Miss Blague, who hardly understood a word of French, regulated herself upon the Duke’s authority, in admiring the one and the other.  It was remarked, that all the words which he sung to her were in praise of fair women, and that always taking this to herself, she cast down her eyes in acknowledgment and consciousness.  It was upon these observations they resolved to make a jest of her, the first opportunity.

While these little projects were forming, the king, who always wished to oblige the Chevalier de Grammont, asked him, if he would make one at the masquerade, on condition of being Miss Hamilton’s partner?  He did not pretend to dance sufficiently well for an occasion like the present; yet he was far from refusing the offer:  “Sire,” said he, “of all the favours you have been pleased to show me, since my arrival, I feel this more sensibly than any other; and to convince you of my gratitude, I promise you all the good offices in my power with Miss Stewart.”  He said this, because they had just given her an apartment separate from the rest of the maids of honour, which made the courtiers begin to pay respect to her.  The king was very well pleased at this pleasantry, and having thanked him for so necessary an offer:  “Monsieur le Chevalier,” said he, “in what style do you intend to dress yourself for the ball?  I leave you the choice of all countries.”  “If so,” said the Chevalier, “I will dress after the French manner, in order to disguise myself; for they already do me the honour to take me for an Englishman in your city of London.  Had it not been for this, I should have wished to have appeared as a Roman; but for fear of embroiling myself with Prince Rupert, who so warmly espouses the interests of Alexander against Lord Thanet, who declares himself for Caesar, I dare no longer think of assuming the hero:  nevertheless, though I may dance awkwardly, yet, by observing the tune, and with a little alertness, I hope to come off pretty well; besides, Miss Hamilton will take care that too much attention shall not be paid to me.  As for my dress, I shall send Termes off tomorrow morning; and if I do not show you at his return the most splendid habit you have ever seen, look upon mine as the most disgraced nation in your masquerade.”

Termes set out with ample instructions, on the subject of his journey:  and his master, redoubling his impatience on an occasion like the present, before the courier could be landed, began to count the minutes in expectation of his return:  thus was he employed until the very eve of the ball; and that was the day that Miss Hamilton and her little society had fixed for the execution of their project.

Martial gloves were then very much in fashion:  she had by chance several pairs of them:  she sent one to Miss Blague, accompanied with four yards of yellow riband, the palest she could find, to which she added this note: