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HISTORY OP ENGLAND.

CHAP.XXIII._ IlillS.

and no third person was present. Nothing could be moregracious than the language and demeanour of Lewis. Hecondescended to trace a route for the embassy, and insistedthat Portland should make a circuit for the purpose of in-specting some of the superb fortresses of the FrenchNetherlands. At every one of those fortresses the gov-ernors and engineers had orders to pay every attention tothe distinguished stranger. Salutes were everywhere firedto welcome him. A guard of honour was everywhere in at-tendance on him. He stopped during three days at Chan-tilly, and was entertained there by the Prince of Condewith all that taste and magnificence for which Chantillyhad long been renowned. There were boar hunts in themorning and concerts in the evening. Every gentleman ofthe legation had a gamekeeper specially assigned to him.The guests, who, in their own island were accustomed togive extravagant vails at every country house which theyvisited, learned, with admiration, that His Ilighness’s ser-vants were strictly forbidden to receive presents. At hisluxurious table, by a refinement of politeness, choice ciderfrom the orchards round the Malvern Hills made its ap-pearance in company with the Champagne and the Bur-gundy.

Portland was welcomed by his master with all the kind-ness of old times. But that kindness availed nothing.For Albemarle was still in the royal household, and ap-peared to have been, during the last few months, makingprogress in the royal favour. Portland was angry, and