[272] At length the time had arrived when this singular friendship was to exercise a great influence on public affairs.

What part Anne would take in the contest which distracted England was matter of deep anxiety.
Filial duty was on one side.

The interests of the religion to which she was sincerely attached were on the other.

A less inert nature might well have remained long in suspense when drawn in opposite directions by motives so strong and so respectable.

But the influence of the Churchills decided the question; and their patroness became an important member of that extensive league of which the Prince of Orange was the head.
In June 1687 Dykvelt returned to the Hague.