'Tis impossible for me to judge of this so well as you can do; but the reputation of being thoroughly of no party, is (I think) of use in this affair, and I believe people generally esteem you impartial; and being chose by your country is more honourable than holding _any_ place from _any_ king." The relations between Lady Mary and her husband did not improve.

Not only did he neglect to write to her when he left her in the country, but he does not at any time appear to have had any desire to have her with him in town.

Lady Mary showed extreme, in fact overmuch, forbearance, but towards the end of November her patience gave out: "I cannot forbear any longer telling you, I think you use me very unkindly." "I don't say so much of your absence, as I should do if you was in the country and I in London; because I would not have you believe I am impatient to be in town, when I say I am impatient to be with you; but I am very sensible I parted with you in July and 'tis now the middle of November," she went on to say.

"As if this was not hardship enough, you do not tell me you are sorry for it.

You write seldom, and with so much indifference as shews you hardly think of me at all.