"You should have spoken to me first," answered Mary, with trembling lips. "I have no mind that the King should be vexed with these things. I do not think he meaneth the Garter for Lord Marlborough."
Anne flung up her head with a force that set her huge pearl earrings quivering.
"And who better deserveth it, I should like to know? I suppose it is meant for Lord Portland, or some other Dutchman?"
"Anne, you are infatuate to speak so. The services of my Lord Marlborough have been well rewarded."
At that Anne burst out with what had evidently been her secret grievance.
"He is slighted on every possible occasion—'tis he who should have reviewed the militia this afternoon!"
Mary turned angrily.
"This is my Lady Marlborough her doing; she put this into your head, Anne, and it is too much."
"Yes, it is too much," answered Anne, "that Your Majesty should have such a dislike to my friend."
"Her insolence," exclaimed Mary, "is beyond all bearing. I have it on good report that she hath spoken of the King with great disrespect."