The ruling passion of the brother-in-law was a stern and acrimonious party spirit.

He could not bear to think that he was so nearly connected with an enemy of the Revolution and of the Bill of Rights, and would with pleasure have seen the odious tie severed even by the hand of the executioner.

There was one, however, from whom the ruined, expatriated, proscribed young nobleman might hope to find a kind reception.

He stole across the Channel in disguise, presented himself at Sunderland's door, and requested to see Lady Clancarty.

He was charged, he said, with a message to her from her mother, who was then lying on a sick bed at Windsor.