Against the pleasure which the marked attentions of the French princes and grandees gave to Portland, was to be set off the vexation which he felt when Middleton crossed his path with the busy look of a real Secretary of State.

But it was with emotions far deeper that the Ambassador saw on the terraces and in the antechambers of Versailles men who had been deeply implicated in plots against the life of his master.

He expressed his indignation loudly and vehemently.

"I hope," he said, "that there is no design in this; that these wretches are not purposely thrust in my way.

When they come near me all my blood runs back in my veins." His words were reported to Lewis.