DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

( 24) vided her enemies with the very weapon they re- quired. A poor relation of hers, Abigail Hill, had been introduced by her into the Queen’s household, where she at first occupied a most humble position. As ambitious as the Duchess, but more subtle and artful, she soon ingratiated herself with the Queen, and obtained, through the conciliatory blandness of her manner, the influence which the Duchess was losing through her overbearing indiscretion. Of this new influence the political enemies of Marlborough craftily availed themselves. Matters soon came to a crisis. As Mistress of the Robes it was the duty of the Duchess of Marlborough to select the jewels for the daily use of the Queen. Driving in state with the Queen to a public thanksgiving at St. Paul’s, she noticed that her orders had not been attended to, and forthwith abused the Queen in the most frightful language. For once the Queen retorted. Both were still quarrelling when they entered the Church, but as they advanced the Duchess insolently turned on her royal mistress, telling her not to answer her, and to hold her tongue. About the same time she discovered the clan- destine marriage of Abigail Hill with Mr., after- wards Lord Masham. Again the Queen, who had countenanced the marriage with her presence, came in for a fair share of abuse.