entire happiness of our lives is dependent on our wilful self-
deception, is it wonderful that I mistook the calm fortitude of a
well-regulated mind for content, and the gratitude of a warm heart
for affection? I inquired not, I dared not inquire minutely into the
past; I shrunk from any question that might again disturb the
serenity of my mind by jealous fears. 'I will not speak of past
storms on so bright a day,' said I secretly while I gazed upon my
gentle Theresa; 'it might break the spell.' Alas! the spell endured
not long; for however unwillingly, we were now obliged to resume our
situation at Whitehall.

"Our re-appearance at court was marked by the most flattering
attentions on the part of the King and Queen. Several brilliant fetes
were given by their Majesties on occasion of our marriage; and I
began to fear that the homage which everywhere seemed to await my
young and lovely bride, and the promising career of royal favour
which opened to her view, might weaken her inclination for the
retirement we mediated. To me however she constantly renewed her
entreaties for a furtherance of her former wishes on the subject; in
consequence of which I declined the gracious offers of his Majesty,
who was at this time particularly desirous that I should take a more
active part in public measures, and accept a situation in the new
ministry which would formerly have placed the utmost bounds to my
ambition. I was now however only waiting a favourable opportunity,
to retire altogether to the happy fire-side, where I trusted to dream
away the evening of my days in the society of my own family.

"In this position of our affairs, it chanced that we were both in
attendance on the Queen at Kew; where one evening a chosen few,
distinguished by her Majesty's favour, formed a select circle.