informed me that he had been pleading my cause with my fair
tormentor, as he was pleased to term her.

"'The worst torment I can be called to endure, Sire,' said I
haughtily, 'is longer suspense; and I must earnestly request your
Majesty's gracious intercession of Miss Marchmont's early reply to my
application for the honour of her hand. Should it be refused, I must
further entreat your Majesty's permission to resign the post I so
unworthily hold, in order that I may be enabled to pass some years on
the continent.'

"Charles appeared both startled and displeased by the firm tone of
resolution I had assumed. 'Were I inclined for idle altercation,'
answered he coldly, 'I might argue something for the dignity of the
fair sex, who have ever claimed their prescriptive right of holding
us lingering in their chains; and Lord Greville would do well to
remember that his services are too important to his country to be
held on the caprices of a silly girl's affected coyness. But be it
so--since you are so petulant a lover, be prepared when you join her
Majesty's circle to-night, to expect Miss Marchmont's answer.'

"It happened that there was a splendid fete given at the palace that
evening in honour of the arrival of a French ambassador. When I
entered the ball-room I caught the eye of the king, who was standing
apart, with his hand resting negligently on the shoulder of the Duke
of Buckingham, and indulging in an immoderate gaiety apparently
caused by some 'foolborn jest,' of the favourite's; in which, I know
not why, I immediately suspected myself to be concerned. On perceiving
my arrival however, Charles forsook his station, and approaching me
with the graceful ease which rendered him at all times the most