est
MD, etc.

LETTER 37.

LONDON, Dec. 15, 1711.

I put in my letter this evening myself. I was to-day inquiring at the
Secretary's office of Mr. Lewis how things went: I there met Prior,
who told me he gave all for gone, etc., and was of opinion the whole
Ministry would give up their places next week: Lewis thinks they
will not till spring, when the session is over; both of them entirely
despair. I went to see Mrs. Masham, who invited me to dinner; but I was
engaged to Lewis. At four I went to Masham's. He came and whispered me
that he had it from a very good hand that all would be well, and I found
them both very cheerful. The company was going to the opera, but desired
I would come and sup with them. I did so at ten, and Lord Treasurer was
there, and sat with us till past twelve, and was more cheerful than I
have seen him these ten days. Mrs. Masham told me he was mightily cast
down some days ago, and he could not indeed hide it from me. Arbuthnot
is in good hopes that the Queen has not betrayed us, but only has been
frightened, and flattered, etc. But I cannot yet be of his opinion,
whether my reasons are better, or that my fears are greater. I do
resolve, if they give up, or are turned out soon, to retire for some
months, and I have pitched upon the place already: but I will take
methods for hearing from MD, and writing to them. But I would be out of
the way upon the first of the ferment; for they lay all things on me,
even some I have never read.

16. I took courage to-day, and went to Court with a very cheerful
countenance. It was mightily crowded; both parties coming to observe
each other's faces. I have avoided Lord Halifax's bow till he forced
it on me; but we did not talk together. I could not make less than
fourscore bows, of which about twenty might be to Whigs. The Duke of
Somerset is gone to Petworth, and, I hear, the Duchess too, of which I
shall be very glad. Prince Eugene,(1) who was expected here some days
ago, we are now told, will not come at all. The Whigs designed to have
met him with forty thousand horse. Lord Treasurer told me some days ago
of his discourse with the Emperor's Resident, that puppy Hoffman, about
Prince Eugene's coming; by which I found my lord would hinder it, if he
could; and we shall be all glad if he does not come, and think it a good
point gained. Sir Andrew Fountaine, Ford, and I dined to-day with Mrs.
Van, by invitation.

17. I have mistaken the day of the mont