Things were in this state, when, one morning, after the minister had given orders that no one should be admitted, as he was dictating some public papers of consequence to Mr. Temple, the Duke of Greenwich was announced. His grace sent in a note to signify that he waited upon Lord Oldborough by order of his majesty; and that, if this hour were not convenient, he begged to have the hour named at which his grace could be admitted. His grace was admitted instantly. Mr. Temple retired--for it was evident this was to be a secret conference. His grace of Greenwich entered with the most important solemnity--infinitely more ceremonious than usual; he was at last seated, and, after heavy and audible sighs, still hesitated to open his business. Through the affected gloom and dejection of his countenance Lord Oldborough saw a malicious pleasure lurking, whilst, in a studied exordium, he spoke of the infinite reluctance with which he had been compelled, by his majesty’s express orders, to wait upon his lordship on a business the most painful to his feelings. As being a public colleague--as a near and dear connexion--as a friend in long habits of intimacy with his lordship, he had prayed his majesty to be excused; but it was his majesty’s pleasure: he had only now to beg his lordship to believe that it was with infinite concern, &c. Lord Oldborough, though suffering under this circumlocution, never condescended to show any symptom of impatience; but allowing his grace to run the changes on the words and forms of apology, when these were exhausted, his lordship simply said, that “his majesty’s pleasure of course precluded all necessity for apology.” His grace was vexed to find Lord Oldborough still unmoved--he was sure this tranquillity could not long endure: he continued, “A sad business, my lord--a terrible discovery--I really can hardly bring myself to speak--” Lord Oldborough gave his grace no assistance. “My private regard,” he repeated. A smile of contempt on Lord Oldborough’s countenance. “Your lordship’s hitherto invulnerable public integrity--” A glance of indignation from Lord Oldborough. “_Hitherto_ invulnerable!--your grace will explain.” “Let these--these fatal notes--letters--unfortunately got into the hands of a leading, impracticable member of opposition, and by him laid--Would that I had been apprised, or could have conceived it possible, time enough to prevent that step; but it was done before I had the slightest intimation--laid before his majesty--” Lord Oldborough calmly received the letters from his grace. “My own handwriting, and private seal, I perceive.”