prerogative, and to subdue the mind of his sovereign. Insidious arts had
long been secretly employed to infuse these ideas; and when once the
jealousy of power was excited, every trifle confirmed the suspicion which
Lord Oldborough's uncourtier-like character was little calculated to
dispel. His popularity now gave umbrage, and it was hinted that he wished
to make himself the _independent_ minister of the people.

The affairs of the country prospered, however, under his administration;
there was trouble, there was hazard in change. It was argued, that it was
best to wait at least for some reverse of fortune in war, or some symptom
of domestic discontent, before an attempt should be made to displace
this minister, formidable by his talents, and by the awe his commanding
character inspired.

The habit of confidence and deference for his genius and integrity
remained, and to him no difference for some time appeared, in consequence
of the secret decay of favour.

Commissioner Falconer, timid, anxious, restless, was disposed by
circumstances and by nature, or by second nature, to the vigilance of a
dependent's life; accustomed to watch and consult daily the barometer
of court favour, he soon felt the coming storm; and the moment he saw
prognostics of the change, he trembled, and considered how he should best
provide for his own safety before the hour of danger arrived. Numerous
libels against the minister appeared, which Lord Oldborough never read, but
the commissioner, with his best spectacles, read them all; for he well knew
and believed what the sage Selden saith, that "though some make slight of
libels, yet you may see by them how the wind sets."

After determining by the throwing up of these straws which way the wind