Orford had voted for the bill in every stage.
Montague, though no longer a minister, had obtained admission to the royal closet, and had strongly represented to the King the dangers which threatened the state.

The King had at length consented to let it be understood that he considered the passing of the bill as on the whole the less of two great evils.

It was soon clear that the temper of the Peers had undergone a considerable alteration since the preceding day.

Scarcely any, indeed, changed sides.

But not a few abstained from voting.