"I like to have my own way, and there are few women who would not be delighted to break a handsome king's heart." Frances having captured the king, every other man at court was her admirer.

She could have had her choice of a husband from among the noblest and richest men of the land, but she showed no one especial favor.

If one imagined that she smiled with marked graciousness on him, he soon learned that others were equally fortunate, and after a time each accepted his smile from her and took it for granted that his failure to receive greater favor was because of the king's success.

All praised her discretion, though many believed that she was concealing adroitly what she would not have the world suspect.

With all her circumspection, it soon became the common talk at court that she was the king's new favorite, though there was no reason given for the rumor save the belief that the king was not to be resisted.
* * * * * The Duchess of York and I knew the truth concerning Frances, but all Westminster and London talked of the new star at Whitehall who was outshining Castlemain, Nell Gwynn, Stuart, and the host of other luminaries who had scintillated with scandal ever since the king's return to Britain's throne.
One morning, shortly after the king's last-mentioned conversation with Frances, she met Nell Gwynn in the palace garden, and was surprised when Nelly addressed her as "Little Solomon." "Where did you learn the name ?" asked Frances.
"From its author, the king," answered Nell.