The King was exceedingly diverted at Poussatin’s history; and the Queen was not much hurt at his having been put in livery:  the treatment of Gregorio Brice offended her far more; and being desirous to justify the court of Spain, with respect to so cruel a proceeding:  “Chevalier de Grammont,” said she, “what heresy did Governor Brice wish to introduce into the state?  What crime against religion was he charged with, that he was confined in the inquisition?” “Madam,” said he, “the history is not very proper to be related before your majesty:  it was a little amorous frolic, ill-timed indeed; but poor Brice meant no harm:  a school-boy would not have been whipped for such a fault, in the most severe college in France; as it was only for giving some proofs of his affection to a young Spanish fair one, who had fixed her eyes upon him on a solemn occasion.”

The King desired to know the particulars of the adventure; and the Chevalier gratified his curiosity, as soon as the Queen and the rest of the court were out of hearing.  It was very entertaining to hear him tell a story; but it was very disagreeable to differ with him, either in competition, or in raillery:  it is true that at that time there were few persons at the English court who had merited his indignation:  Russell was sometimes the subject of his ridicule, but he treated him far more tenderly than he usually did a rival.

This Russell was one of the most furious dancers in all England, I mean, for country dances:  he had a collection of two or three hundred in print, all of which he danced at sight; and to prove that he was not an old man, he sometimes danced until he was almost exhausted:  his mode of dancing was like that of his clothes, for they both had been out of fashion full twenty years.

The Chevalier de Grammont was very sensible that he was very much in love; but though he saw very well that it only rendered him more ridiculous, yet he felt some concern at the information he received, of his intention of demanding Miss Hamilton in marriage; but his concern did not last long.  Russell, being upon the point of setting out on a journey, thought it was proper to acquaint his mistress with his intentions before his departure.  The Chevalier de Grammont was a great obstacle to the interview, he was desirous of obtaining of her; but being one day sent for, to go and play at Lady Castlemaine’s, Russell seized the opportunity, and addressing himself to Miss Hamilton, with less embarrassment than is usual on such occasions, he made his declaration to her in the following manner:  “I am brother to the Earl of Bedford:  I command the regiment of guards:  I have three thousand pounds a year, and fifteen thousand in ready money:  all which, madam, I come to present to you, along with my person.  One present, I agree, is not worth much without the other, and therefore I put them together.  I am advised to go to some of the watering places for something of an asthma, which, in all probability,