I, too, clung to my post faithfully, but at least a part of my motive in doing so was selfish, being the joy I found in Betty's company.

At the end of two weeks George began to recover rapidly, and I was dismissed along with the physician.
When I returned to Whitehall, I found that my Lord Sandwich, under whom I held my place as Second Gentleman of the Wardrobe, had been seeking me.
The king had gone to Sheerness on business of the navy two weeks before, and the Earl of Sandwich, being at that time Lord Admiral, was to go down the river on a summons from his Majesty.

Much against my will, I was compelled to go with him, and, by reason of this enforced absence, was away from London during the next month or two, when I very much wished to be there.
I saw Frances only twice during George's illness, and as she made no inquiries about him, I concluded that sober thought had brought back her old aversion.

Therefore I did not mention his name nor try to correct her error, feeling that it was better for her to remain in her present state of mind.
I was convinced that Hamilton's threats against the life of the king were but the ravings of a frenzied brain, and that he had no intention of killing Charles, but I also felt sure that trouble would come of it, since he had been overheard by several persons.

The treason was certain to reach the king's ear, and if it did, Hamilton's life would be in jeopardy.