They proposed merely that Roman Catholics should be permitted to worship God in private houses without incurring any penalty; and it soon appeared that, far as this measure was from coming up to the King's demands and expectations, the Estates either would not pass it at all, or would pass it with great restrictions and modifications.
While the contest lasted the anxiety in London was intense.

Every report, every line, from Edinburgh was eagerly devoured.

One day the story ran that Hamilton had given way and that the government would carry every point.

Then came intelligence that the opposition had rallied and was more obstinate than ever.

At the most critical moment orders were sent to the post-office that the bags from Scotland should be transmitted to Whitehall.