Three months have passed since the Earl of Marlborough's visit to the Chace.

Changes have taken place in England, for on the eighth of March King William died from the effects of a fall from his horse, and the Princess Anne ascended the throne.

After her accession, one of her first steps had been to shower honour upon the Earl of Marlborough.

A whig cabinet was formed, of which he and Lord Godolphin were the leading spirits, two tories however--Harley and Saint John--having seats in the ministry.
The Earl of Marlborough was her most trusted adviser.

He had during the reign of the late monarch been always a firm friend of the Princess Anne, and was at one time regarded almost as a tory.