that he considered
it very improbable that he should ever again form a part of any
Administration.

He did not think that a violent course was at all to be apprehended
from Lord John Russell; he said Lord John had been far more of a
"finality" man than he had, and in the Cabinet had always been averse
to violent change. He added, "I think you are in error in forming the
opinion which you have of him."

Lord Melbourne thought the Queen very much disliked being talked _at_
upon religion; she particularly disliked what Her Majesty termed a
_Sunday face_, but yet that it was a subject far more thought of and
reflected upon than was [thought to be?] the case.

[Pageheading: A DREADED MOMENT]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _15th August 1841._

... Lord Melbourne well knows the feeling which your Majesty
describes. The expectation of an event which is dreaded and
deprecated, and yet felt to be certain and imminent, presents itself
continually to the mind and recurs at every moment, and particularly
in moments of satisfaction and enjoyment. It is perhaps no consolation
to be told that events of this nature are necessary and incidental to
your Majesty's high situation, but Lord Melbourne anxiously hopes that
the change, when it does take place, will not be found so grievous
as your Majesty anticipates, and your Majesty may rely that Lord
Melbourne will do everything in his power to reconcile it to your
Majesty's feelings.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th August 1841._

Lord Melbourne is very glad to hear of the Princess's tooth.

Lord Melbourne is much obliged to your Majesty for informing him about
the mourning.

He is quite well and will be ready when your Majesty sends.

_Memorandum by Mr Anson._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd August 1841._

Lord John Russell was staying at the Castle, and asked to-day for an
audience of Her Majesty, and was closeted for a long time. The Prince
asked Her Majesty what Lord John came for. The Queen said he came
about several things, but particularly he wished to impress upon the
Queen that Her Majesty should not allow Sir Robert Peel to propose any
new Grants in Parliament, as they (the Whigs) could not well oppose
it, and this being felt, the whole unpopularity would fall upon the
Queen's person. An idea existed that the Tories were always jobbing
with money, and the grant for the building the new stabl