I was warmly received by his majesty, and presented by him to the
young queen, as one whom he regarded equally as an affectionate
friend, and as one of the most faithful servants of the crown. Thus
introduced to her notice, it is not wonderful that my homage was most
graciously received, and that I was frequently invited to renew it by
admission into the evening circle at Whitehall. The very night after
my arrival in London, I was called upon to assist at a masque given
on the anniversary of the royal nuptials, at which their majesties
alone, and their immediate attendants, were unmasqued. The latter,
indeed, were habited in character; but among the splendidly-attired
group of the maids of honour, I was surprised at perceiving one, in a
costume of deep mourning. Her extreme beauty and the grace of
her demeanour excited an immediate interest in her favour; and her
sable suit only served to render yet more brilliant, the exquisite
fairness and purity of her complexion.
"It was not so much the regular cast of her features as their sweet
and pensive expression which produced so strong an effect on the
feelings. At the moment I was first struck by her appearance, I
happened to be conversing with His Majesty who was making the tour
of the apartment, graciously leaning on my arm; and my attention was
so completely captivated by her surpassing loveliness, that the king
could not fail to perceive my absence of mind.
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