Whitlocke acted as pro-Speaker, he tells us, from January 27 to Feb.

18, with great acceptance and rapid despatch of business.

On the last of these days, however, Widdrington, though at the risk of his life, reappeared and resumed duty.

A fee of L5, it seems, was due to the Speaker from every person naturalized by bill, and all such fees would have gone to Whitlocke had Widdrington remained absent.

The loss to Whitlocke was made up handsomely by the House in a vote of L2000, besides repayment of L500 he had expended over his allowance in his Swedish embassy, and thanks for his many eminent services.[1] [Footnote 1: Commons Journals over period and for dates named; Whitlocke, IV.