Some day there will be a storm, and then it will behove Mrs.Freeman to sing to a different tune! For the Queen has a will of her own when once it is roused, and can show a stubborn front when she chooses--as some of her ministers have already found to their discomfiture!" Lord Claud strolled away presently, leaving Tom to look about him and listen to the idle chatter of the shifting throng.

He made out that though the Duke of Marlborough was in great popular esteem, his Duchess was little liked; and spiteful things were circulated to her disfavour all round the room.

It was plain that she had a very overbearing temper, and made many enemies; but her affection for her husband and children was never disputed, nor his for her, though there were many who marvelled what a man of his parts could see in such a shrew to be so devoted to her as had always been the case.
"For she belabours him sorely with her tongue times and again, and ofttimes writes him fiery letters, which discompose him more than a reverse in arms.

When she smiles, he is filled with an extraordinary joy; and when she frowns, he knows no peace till he has conciliated her.

'Tis the strangest thing in a man such as he; and the Queen is just as bad.