n's expression of her great apprehension as to the
consequence of such a step on the country, they said there would
no doubt spring up a most violent opposition, that there would be
attempts to stop the supplies and dissolve the Army, but that Lord
John Russell and Sir James Graham together would do their utmost to
preach moderation, and would refer the House of Commons to the Queen's
example, who had taken strictly the Constitutional course throughout
the crisis, whose opinions on Free Trade were well known (as far as
subjects could allow themselves to pretend to know their Sovereign's
_private_ opinions) from the hearty support she had given to Sir
Robert Peel's and Lord John's Governments. That upon the first
proposition of a Stanley Government the junction of Parties would
be completed, and there would be only _one_ strong opposition. After
having fought together, there would be no longer any difficulty about
forming a strong Government out of their joint ranks, whilst now it
was impossible not to see that every Minister displaced would feel
personally aggrieved, that then they stood on a footing of perfect
equality. Sir James had seen Lord John since he had tendered his
second resignation, and found him quite altered; whilst he was
embarrassed and _boutonne_ before, he was open and unreserved now, and
they could speak on terms of private friendship. Lord Aberdeen would
save his influence in the House of Lords, which he would probably have
lost if he had joined the Whigs in office; in future all this would be
different.

Lord John Russell's letter with the Memoranda came and interrupted us.
From these papers, and what Sir James and Lord Aberdeen said, it is
clear that all parties are relieved by the failure of their attempt
to form a Coalition Government, but determined to form a positive
junction, which will be most salutary to the country. The Queen will
therefore send for Lord Stanley.

We discussed further the means Lord Stanley would have to form an
Administration, for which the material was certainly sad. Disraeli's
last scene in the House of Commons would render the publication of
Lord Stanley's letter necessary. Mr Gladstone might possibly join him;
at least no pains would be spared to bring him in. Lord Palmerston
had often so much secret understanding with Disraeli that he might be
tempted with the bait of keeping the Foreign Office, particularly if
personally offended.

Whether the Queen should allow