st is so great, having had the name of bringing in the
King, that he is like to stand, or, if it were not for him, God knows in
what troubles we might be from some private faction, if an army could be
got into another hand, which God forbid! It is believed that though
Mr. Coventry be in appearance so great against the Chancellor, yet that
there is a good understanding between the Duke and him. He dreads the
issue of this year, and fears there will be some very great revolutions
before his coming back again. He doubts it is needful for him to have a
pardon for his last year's actions, all which he did without commission,
and at most but the King's private single word for that of Bergen; but
he dares not ask it at this time, lest it should make them think that
there is something more in it than yet they know; and if it should be
denied, it would be of very ill consequence. He says also, if it should
in Parliament be enquired into the selling of Dunkirke (though the
Chancellor was the man that would have it sold to France, saying the
King of Spayne had no money to give for it); yet he will be found to
have been the greatest adviser of it; which he is a little apprehensive
may be called upon this Parliament. He told me it would not be necessary
for him to tell me his debts, because he thinks I know them so well.
He tells me, that for the match propounded of Mrs. Mallett for my Lord
Hinchingbroke, it hath been lately off, and now her friends bring it on
again, and an overture hath been made to him by a servant of hers,
to compass the thing without consent of friends, she herself having a
respect to my Lord's family, but my Lord will not listen to it but in
a way of honour. The Duke hath for this weeke or two been very kind to
him, more than lately; and so others, which he thinks is a good sign
of faire weather again. He says the Archbishopp of Canterbury hath been
very kind to him, and hath plainly said to him that he and all the world
knows the difference between his judgment and brains and the Duke of
Albemarle's, and then calls my Lady Duchesse the veryest slut and drudge
and the foulest worde that can be spoke of a woman almost. My Lord
having walked an houre with me talking thus and going in, and my Lady
Carteret not suffering me to go back again to-night, my Lord to walke
again with me about some of this and other discourse, and then in
a-doors and to talke with all and with my Lady Carteret, and I with
the young ladies