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Rh long beset him, he pleased himself with the hope that, in future records of the Company's rule, 'this term of its administration will appear not the least conducive to the interests of the Company, nor the least reflective of the honour of the British name.' Gratitude to his masters had hitherto kept him faithful to his trust. But now it only remained for him to declare his intention to resign their service as soon as he could do so without prejudice to their affairs. Should they insist on ordering him to restore Chait Singh to his former position, he would instantly give up his station and their service.

The challenge thus directly hurled in March, 1783, was not to be promptly taken up. Chait Singh remained in comfortable exile at Gwalior, and Benares became a British province. Hastings served on for yet two years, chafing often under fresh annoyances, but patiently working out his schemes for the general good. At the council-board he was constantly opposed by Macpherson and Stables, and could not always reckon upon Wheler's vote. The Governor of Madras rebelled against every order received from Calcutta, and inflamed the minds of the Directors with angry complaints against their Governor-General. Hastings' agents at Lucknow and Benares were again replaced by friends of Francis and nominees of the India House. At home Lord Shelburne's Ministry, if less unfriendly than its predecessor, was too weak to give him any effectual support, and in April its place was taken by