The two Russells, uncle and nephew,—­were two other of the Chevalier de Grammont’s rivals:  the uncle was full seventy, and had distinguished himself by his courage and fidelity in the civil wars.  His passions and intentions, with regard to Miss Hamilton, appeared both at once; but his magnificence only appeared by halves in those gallantries which love inspires.  It was not long since the fashion of high crowned hats had been left off, in order to fall into the other extreme.  Old Russell, amazed at so terrible a change, resolved to keep a medium, which made him remarkable:  he was still more so, by his constancy for cut doublets, which he supported a long time after they had been universally suppressed; but, what was more surprising than all, was a certain mixture of avarice and liberality, constantly at war with each other, ever since he had entered the list with love.

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.