Maynard and Mary settled in a pretty cottage near, and the
colliery in full work and prospering, the district employed and
contented. Mary had been pressed by the Fairburn family to take up her
abode with them, but had preferred to go into the cottage with her old
governess and friend. Yet she was overwhelmed with gratitude towards
the kindly couple.
CHAPTER X
"OUR OWN MEN, SIR!"
Marlborough was late in taking the field that year. Important matters
engaged his attention at home. He saw more clearly than ever that the
Whigs alone were the real supporters of him and his war plans. The
party even passed a resolution to the effect that they would not hear
of peace so long as a Bourbon ruled over Spain. Then there were the
intrigues at work that were undermining the influence of the Duchess
of Marlborough, and consequently of the Duke himself, at Court. Harley
was known to be working for the overthrow of Marlborough. He was
preparing to introduce a formidable rival to the Duchess in Anne's
regards.
The young men were nothing loth to go back to their respective
regiments, to say truth, when the time came. Inaction did not seem to
agree with their young blood. Matthew, his wound now quite healed, was
eager to get his next step.
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