It happened one night, whilst Grammont was yet in pursuit of Mrs.
Middleton, that the queen gave a ball. In hope of winning her
husband's affection, by studying his pleasures and suiting
herself to his ways, her majesty had become a changed woman. She
now professed a passion for dancing, wore decollete costumes, and
strove to surpass those surrounding her in her desire for gaiety.
Accordingly her balls were the most brilliant spectacles the
court had yet witnessed; she taking care to assemble the fairest
women of the day, and the most distinguished men. Now amongst
the latter was the Chevalier de Grammont; and amidst the former,
Mrs. Middleton and Miss Hamilton.
Of all the court beauties, "la belle Hamilton" was one of whom
Grammont had seen least and heard most; but that which had been
told him of her charms seemed, now that he beheld her, wholly
inadequate to express her loveliness. Therefore, his eyes
followed her alone, as her graceful figure glided in the dance
adown the ball-room, lighted with a thousand tapers, and
brilliant with every type of beauty. And when presently she
rested, it was with an unusual flutter at his heart that this
gallant, heretofore so daring in love, sought her company,
addressed her, and listened with strange pleasure to the music of
her voice. From that night he courted Mrs. Middleton no more,
but devoted himself to "la belle Hamilton," who subsequently
became his wife.
Meanwhile, the merry monarch behaved as if he had no higher
purpose in life than that of following his pleasures.
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