information of the merchants who traded to the Levant, in what manner the ladies of quality dressed in Babylon.

The plot laid for Miss Blague was of a different kind: she had such faith in her charms, and was so confident of their effects, that she could believe any thing. Brisacier, whom she looked upon as desperately smitten, had wit, which he set off with common place talk, and with little songs: he sung out of tune most methodically, and was continually exerting one or other of these happy talents. The Duke of. Buckingham did all he could to spoil him, by the praises he bestowed both upon his voice and upon his wit; and upon his authority, Miss Blague, who hardly understood a word of French, regulated herself 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 taking this to herself, she always cast down her eyes in acknowledgement 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 shew 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 Ime the honour to take me for an

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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 Alex'ander against Lord Thanet, who de

'clares himself for Cæsar, I dare no longer think of assuming the hero: nevertheless, though I may dance indifferently, 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 6 me. As for my dress, I shall send 'Termes off to-morrow morning; and if I do not shew you at his return the most splendid habit you have ' ever seen, look upon mine as the 'most disgraced nation in your mas! querade.'

Termes set out with ample instructions on the subject of his journey: and his master, redoubling his impatience on an occasion like the présent, before the courier could have got across the channel, 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.

Military 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:

'You were the other day more 'charming than all the air women in 'the world: you looked yesterday still 'more fair than you did the day be'fore: if you go on, what will become ' of my heart? But it is a long time

since that has been a prey to your

pretty little young wild boar's eyes. 'Shall you be at the masquerade to'morrow? But can there be any charms