ncil(226) kissed hands to-day, and Dunning with the rest. He is
Chancellor [of the] Duchy of Lancaster and a peer. At this I was
surprised. Ashburn(h)am is kept, and all the Bedchamber. Lord
Hertford is delivered up at discretion; either he or his son Isaac
must be sacrificed. But his Lordship has not been thought the father
of the faithful, or so himself. Their trimming has released his
M(ajesty) from any obligations to protect them.

The Duke brings me word from Court that I am safe, but how I do not
comprehend. To take away my place, which is to be annihilated in two
months by Burke's Bill, (is absurd), and a pension I would not
receive, but as an appendix to a place or as a part of it. But the
D(uke), whose friendship for me is very vif, on some occasions, has
fished out this for me. I could not go to Court, my temper would not
permit. I could have seen my R(oyal) master on the scaffold with
less pain than insulted as he has been to-day. I am going out to
hear all that passed, and how he bore it. From my parlour window I
saw Mr. Secretary Fox step into his chariot from his office, and
Lord Shelbour(n)e and Dunning from the other office. The Levee was
not over till near five, that is, the audiences, a most numerous
Court--souls to be saved, and souls not to be saved.

Warner dined here, and Storer. Mie Mie went to her Academy, so I
stayed at home to keep George company. He was upon the dining table
hearing Warner, Storer, and I (me) talking over this political
history, with an attention and curiosity which would have charmed
you, as well as the questions he asked. He looked like a little Jesu
in a picture of Annibal Carraci's listening to the Doctors. He has
been reading to-day speeches in Livy, with the French translation.
We gave him sentences this evening to construe. It was wonderful how
well he did them. The weather grows fine, and I shall desire leave
to carry him back till the 25th of next month, for he is very well;
the cough which (he) has is trifling. He has no heat;--he looks
delightfully.

I was with Lord Gower this morning. The Chanc(ello)r dined there
to-day. I talked with Lord G. about you; he has explained your
situation, and I suppose has told you that arrangements will be made
here to your satisfaction. I see some comfort in all this. Nous
reculerons pour mieux sauter. Your return will mortify some of the
Opposition, who hope to keep you a year in Ireland out of charity,
to insult you, and for t