The King spoke again.
"I have learnt to be tolerant of treason. These men serve me—even Marlborough—instruments all of them! And Shrewsbury I ever liked. I will not have him put out for this."
"You will even let them remain in office?"
"Surely," answered the King, "it would be beneath me to stoop to vengeance? And what else would this be? Both policy and kindness dictate to me this course."
Portland's voice came heavily out of the morning shadows.
"You are too lenient to every sort of fault. These men do not even know you spare them—they think you are fooled. Marlborough will laugh at you."
"What doth that matter if he serveth my turn? He is a villain, but a great man—he should be useful to England."
The King spoke in strained, weary accents, and with, it seemed, but little interest.
"Besides," he added, "I do not believe half of what Fenwick saith."
Portland retorted sharply.