Among the rest there were three young ladies present, who were decidedly the ornaments of the Ball. I never saw more perfect beauties. It would have puzzled any honest man to have made his choice of one of them. I soon decided, however, favour of a Brunette, who attracted me by a certain _je ne sçai quoi_ which the others did not possess. I attached myself to that lady only during the whole ball. One of the gentlemen who had brought me to the palace, perceiving my _penchant_ for this Brunette, approached me; “Signor Don Guzman,” said he with a smile, “how many lovers will you distract with jealousy this night, if you continue your attentions to that lady, who is a rich widow, and has a great number of admirers.” My vanity was flattered by this information, which inspired me with the design of attempting the conquest of a heart which was disputed by so many rivals. I hazarded some soft speeches which were not ill-received, but while my favorable progress inclined me to push my success, the Grand Duchess, who had not danced since her confinement, took a fancy to do me the honour of choosing me for her partner. In fact, foreseeing the consequences, I did all in my power to avoid it: but she would take no denial. The Grand Duke, though he approved of the great respect I paid the Princess by my diffidence, gave me to understand by a nod, that he wished I would comply with the desires of her Highness: so that there were no means of escaping. I danced and performed even better than before: which pleased the Duchess so much that she would not leave off dancing with me, until the Prince was obliged to beg her to desist, lest so much exertion should injure her health. Their Highnesses then retired, and I accompanied them to their apartment, together with the Lords of the Court, and returned with an air of impatience to the ball-room, when I found the pretty Brunette was also about to retire. I made love to her with so much ardour, that I had the pleasure to see that she quitted me with regret. As soon as she was gone I returned to the Hotel, with the before-mentioned gentlemen who had rejoined me. I was so taken up with the honour that had been conferred on me that evening, that I said but little in answer to the compliments they paid me on my talents for dancing. On our arrival at the Hotel, we took leave of each other with great politeness, and retired to our chambers.