He expostulated with his sovereign on this extraordinary mark of partial regard to the brother of Mrs.Masham, which he could not help considering as a declaration against himself and his family, who had so much cause to complain of that lady's malice and ingratitude.

To this remonstrance the queen made no other reply, but that he would do well to consult his friends.

The earl of Godolphin enforced his friend's arguments, though without effect; and the duke retired in disgust to Windsor.

The queen appeared at council without taking the least notice of his absence, which did not fail to alarm the whole whig faction.
Several noblemen ventured to speak to her majesty on the subject, and explain the bad consequences of disobliging a man who had done such eminent services to the nation.

She told them his services were still fresh in her memory; and that she retained all her former kindness for his person.