Churchill saw or imagined that he was distrusted, and, though gifted with a rare self command, could not conceal his uneasiness.

Before the day broke he fled to the Prince's quarters, accompanied by Grafton.

[538] Churchill left behind him a letter of explanation.

It was written with that decorum which he never failed to preserve in the midst of guilt and dishonour.

He acknowledged that he owed everything to the royal favour.
Interest, he said, and gratitude impelled him in the same direction.
Under no other government could he hope to be so great and prosperous as he had been: but all such considerations must yield to a paramount duty.
He was a Protestant; and he could not conscientiously draw his sword against the Protestant cause.