Here I saw my friend
Mr. B--, who was overjoyed at my arrival, though jealous of every
man of his acquaintance; for he loved me with all the ardour of
passion, and I regarded him with all the perfection of friendship,
which, had he lived, in time might have produced love; though
that was a fruit which it never brought forth. Notwithstanding his
earnest solicitations to the contrary, I stayed but a week in Ghent,
from whence I proceeded to Brussels, and fixed my abode in the
Hotel de Flandre, among an agreeable set of gentlemen and ladies,
with whom I spent my time very cheerfully. There was a sort of court
in this city, frequented by all the officers who could obtain
permission to go thither; and the place in general was gay and
agreeable. I was introduced to the best families, and very happy
in my acquaintance; for the ladies were polite, good-tempered, and
obliging, and treated me with the utmost hospitality and respect.
Among others, I contracted a friendship with Madame la comtesse
de C-- and her two daughters, who were very amiable young ladies;
and became intimate with the Princess C-- and Countess W--, lady
of the bedchamber to the queen of Hungary, and a great favourite
of the governor, Monsieur d'H--, in whose house she lived with his
wife, who was also a lady of a very engaging disposition.
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