252 THE WENTWORTII PAPERS.
comply'd with. I have been told that the Queen was not to have given any account of the progress of the Peace, but 'twas to have been upon the subject of the representation of the Scots. The Queen's answere to them they keep as a great secreet, as 'tis fiting they shou'd, for the Queen bid them
do so till she had laid it before the P 1. My Lord Rivers
took me by the hand in the house and desired me as often as ever I writ to you, I wou'd present his service to you and assure you nobody was more your humble servant then he. My Lord Masham follow'd him, and told me he had the favour of a letter from you, and he wou'd take the liberty to answere. Lord Steward [Paulet] told me he had received a letter from you that day, and that you was very well. Having very little news to send you I fill my letter with those that desire their service to you. Lord Windsor .show'd me the letter you writ to wish him joy, he told me he had his answere ready for you, wch before this I suppose you have received, for 'twas three or four posts agoe since he show'd it me. The Whigs still continue to report the Peace was sign'd at Windsor the beginning of October, and that the Dutch know the very persons that was by, and every circumstance of it as all that was said and done at that time. They say if the Allies come into't, 'twon't be known publickly, those private trans- actions ; but if the Treaty shou'd break off the world wou'd ring with it, and they say if it shou'd prove a good Peace, the Ministry here wou'd have the glory on't, if an ill one you
and my Lord P S w^ou'd have the odium of signing
on't. I hope to God the Queen will be well enough to come to the house a Thursday, for some report her worse then she's, others that 'tis but a Politick gout. Prince Eugene saw the Queen a Sunday after chapel for three minutes. The Duke of Sommerset is not out yet, they say he's gone done to Marlborough to set up a Whig in the room of Lord Bruce. I was told that Saturday last the Queen took all her cloaths and devided them herself in six several heaps, and stood by whilst the bedchamber Women choose as they were eldest, and that Lady Masham took in her turn, and 'tis given out as if she will continue Bedchamber Woman.
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