YVJXLIA M. THE THIRD.

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mediators speedily concluded a treaty.* Anne came to Ken-sington, and was graciously received: she was lodged in Saint -James’s Palace: a guard of honour was again placed at herdoor; and the Gazettes again, after a long interval, announcedthat foreign ministers had had the honour of being presented toher.** The Churchills were again permitted to dwell under theroyal roof. But William did not at first include them in thepeace which he had made with their mistress. Marlboroughremained excluded from military and political employment;and it W'as not without much difficulty that he was admitted intothe circle atKensington, and permitted to kiss the royal hand.***The feeling with which he w r as regarded by the King explainswhy Anne was not appointed Regent. The Regency of Annewould have been the Regency of Marlborough; and it is notstrange that a man whom it was not thought safe to entrust withanyoffice in theStatc or the army shouldnothavebeen entrustedwith the whole government of the kingdom.

Had Marlborough been of a proud and vindictive nature hemight have been provoked into raising another quarrel in theroyal family, and into forming new cabals in the army. But allhis passions, except ambition and avarice, were under strict re-gulation. lie was destitute alike of the sentiment of gratitudeand of the sentiment of revenge. He had conspired against thegovernment while it was loading him with favours. He nowsupported it, though it requited his support with contumely.He perfectly understood his own interest: he had perfect com-mand of his temper: he endured decorously the hardships of hispresent situation, and contented himself by looking forward toa reversion winch would amply repay him for a few years ofpatience. He did not indeed cease to correspond with the Court

* Letter from Mrs. Burnet to the Duchess of Marlborough, 1704,quoted by Coxe; Shrewsbury to Russell, January 24. 1695; Burnet, ii. 149.

** London Gazette, April 8. 15. 29. 1695.

** * Shrewsbury to Russell, January 24. 1695; Narcissus Luttrell’s Diary.

CHAP.XX1

16i)3.