It was true that Stanhope, the English
general, took Minorca. But the cause of Philip of Spain was now
strong. When, therefore, the Whigs demanded that as a condition of
peace Louis should turn his grandson out of Spain, Europe was
astounded. The proposal was impossible, ludicrous. Philip prepared to
go on with the conflict, saying, with fine spirit, "If I must continue
the war, I will contend against my enemies rather than against my own
family." Such was the state of things in the summer of 1709.
We have left a group of ladies and gentlemen standing in the lane all
this time. Matthew had his sister in his arms in a moment, for one of
the ladies was Mary Blackett.
"My sister," Fieldsend said, "and Miss Allan," by way of response to
the inquiring looks of the newcomers. Then George and Matthew learnt
many things that surprised them. They had had no news from home all
the summer, the one letter that had been sent having miscarried.
Binfield Towers was once more occupied, Mr. Fairburn having found an
excellent tenant for the place in Mr. Allan, the eminent
shipping-merchant of London, the very man into whose office George was
to have gone. The little group laughed merrily at the thought of the
gallant Captain Fairburn wielding a long quill in a dingy office.
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