thought I could understand, by the motion of her lips, and the
expression of her face, even at the height and distance of the
chamberlain's box, the gracious and pleasant speeches she made to
all whom she approached. With my glass, you know, I can see just
as other people see with the naked eye.

The princesses looked extremely lovely, and the whole Court was
in the utmost splendour.


A SERIOUS DILEMMA.

At the appointed moment I slipped through the door, leaving my
old lady utterly astonished at my sudden departure, and I passed,
alone and quietly, to Mr. Rhamus's apartment, which was
appropriated for the company to wait in. Here I desired a
servant I met with to call my man: he was not to be found. I
went down the stairs, and made them call him aloud, by my name;
all to no purpose. Then the chairmen were called, but called
also in vain!

What to do I knew not ; though I was still in a part of the
Page 12

palace, it was separated by many courts, avenues, passages, and
alleys, from the queen's or my own apartments- and though I had
so lately passed them, I could not remember the way, nor at that
late hour could I have walked, dressed as I then was, and the
ground wet with recent rain, even if I had had a servant: I had
therefore ordered the chair allotted me for these days; but chair