to his exclusion, he should not be
offended. Private life satisfied him, and he had no ambition beyond
it.

Lord Melbourne might rest assured that _he_ fully appreciated his aim,
that his only object was to do that which was most for Her Majesty's
advantage, and no human being should know that he was privy to
this overture. Lord Melbourne might depend upon his honour. If Lord
Melbourne was pressed to a dissolution he should still feel the same
impression of Lord Melbourne's conduct, that it was honourable and
straightforward.

He wished the Prince to send him a list of those Ladies whom it would
be agreeable to Her Majesty to have in her Household. Sir Robert must
propose it to the Ladies, but will be entirely guided by Her Majesty's
wishes. There should be no appearance that Her Majesty has any
understanding, as he was bound to his party to make it appear that the
appointments emanated from himself.[25]

[Footnote 25: There was a further interview on the following
day at which various detailed points were arranged.]

_Memorandum by the Queen._

_11th May 1841._

The Queen considers it her right (and is aware that her predecessors
were peculiarly tenacious of this right) to appoint her Household.
She, however, gives up the great officers of State and those of
her Lords-in-Waiting, Equerries, and Grooms-in-Waiting, who are _in
Parliament_, to the appointment of the Prime Minister, subject to her
approval.

The Queen has _always_ appointed her _Ladies of the Bedchamber
herself_, but has generally mentioned their names to the Prime
Minister before appointing them, in order to leave him room for
objection in case he should deem their appointment injurious to his
Government, when the Queen would probably not appoint the Lady.

The Maids of Honour and Women of the Bedchamber are of course not
included amongst those who are mentioned to the Prime Minister before
their appointment, but are at once appointed by the Queen.

[Pageheading: PRESSURE OF BUSINESS]

_Extract from the Queen's Journal._

_Wednesday, 12th May 1841._

"At seven minutes to five Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed till
half-past five. He gave me the copies of Anson's conversations with
Peel. Lord Melbourne then gave me a letter from the Chancellor to
read, strongly advocating a dissolution, and wishing that there should
be a division also on Lord John Russell's amendment.[26]

"Lord Melbourne left the letter with me.