invited her to private parties, and appeared continually with her
in public.

Concerning these ladies and the merry monarch, Pepys narrates a
strange story which Captain Ferrers told him as they "walked
finely" in the park. This was, that at an entertainment given by
my Lady Castlemaine, towards the end of which his majesty played
at being married with fair Frances Stuart, "with ring and all
other ceremonies of Church service, and ribbands, and a sack
posset [A drink composed of milk, wine, and spices.] in bed, and
flinging the stocking. My Lady Castlemaine looked on the while,
evincing neither anger nor jealousy, but entering into the
diversion with great spirit." Nor was this the only indiscretion
of which she was culpable, for, in the full confidence of her
charms, she frequently kept Miss Stuart to stay with her. "The
king," says Hamilton, "who seldom neglected to visit the countess
before she rose, seldom failed likewise to find Miss Stuart with
her. The most indifferent objects have charms in a new
attachment; however, the imprudent countess was not jealous of
this rival's appearing with her, in such a situation, being
confident that, whenever she thought fit, she could triumph over
all the advantages which these opportunities could afford Miss
Stuart."

No doubt Lady Castlemaine's imprudences arose from knowledge that
Miss Stuart was devoid of tact, and incapable of turning
opportunities to her own advantage in the king's regard. For
though the maid of honour was richly endowed with beauty, she was
wholly devoid of wit. She was not only a child in years, but
likewise in behaviour. She laughed at every remark made her,