That revenue must be obtained by means which would wound and humble those whom the favourite abhorred.

It must not be asked, it must not be accepted, as a mark of fraternal kindness, but demanded in hostile tones, and wrung by force from reluctant hands.

No application was made to the King and Queen.

But they learned with astonishment that Lady Marlborough was indefatigable in canvassing the Tory members of Parliament, that a Princess's party was forming, that the House of Commons would be moved to settle on Her Royal Highness a vast income independent of the Crown.

Mary asked her sister what these proceedings meant.