Sunderland, therefore, with exquisite cunning, suggested to his master the propriety of asking the only proof of obedience which it was quite certain that Rochester never would give.

At present,--such was the language of the artful Secretary,--it was impossible to consult with the first of the King's servants respecting the object nearest to the King's heart.

It was lamentable to think that religious prejudices should, at such a conjuncture, deprive the government of such valuable assistance.

Perhaps those prejudices might not prove insurmountable.

Then the deceiver whispered that, to his knowledge, Rochester had of late had some misgivings about the points in dispute between the Protestants and Catholics.