[197] After this conversation, a fortnight elapsed before the decisive blow fell.

That fortnight Rochester passed in intriguing and imploring.

He attempted to interest in his favour those Roman Catholics who had the greatest influence at court.

He could not, he said, renounce his own religion: but, with that single reservation, he would do all that they could desire.

Indeed, if he might only keep his place, they should find that he could be more useful to them as a Protestant than as one of their own communion.