stant state of annoyance he was kept in by her
interference. Lord Melbourne said to me: "It will be far more
difficult to remove her after the change of Government than now,
because if pressed to do it by a Tory Minister, the Queen's prejudice
would be immediately aroused." I admitted this, but said that though
the Prince felt that if he pressed the point against the Baroness
remaining, he should be able to carry it, still his good feeling and
affection for the Queen prevented him from pressing what he knew would
be painful, and what could not be carried without an exciting scene;
he must remain on his guard, and patiently abide the result. People
were beginning much better to understand that lady's character, and
time must surely work its own ends.

On my being sent for by the Prince, Lord Melbourne said, "I shall
see you again before I take my leave." I was much affected by the
earnestness with which this was said, and said I would certainly be
with him before he saw the Queen to-morrow.

The Prince said that Her Majesty was cheerful and in good spirits,
and the only part of the approaching scene which he dreaded was
the farewell with Lord Melbourne. The Queen had, however, been much
relieved by the Prince arranging for her hearing from Lord Melbourne
whenever she wished it.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_30th August 1841._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for the very clever and interesting etchings which
your Majesty most kindly sent him yesterday evening. Lord Melbourne
will ever treasure them as remembrances of your Majesty's kindness and
regard, which he prizes beyond measure.

They will, as your Majesty says, certainly recall to recollection a
melancholy day, but still Lord Melbourne hopes and trusts that with
the divine blessing it will hereafter be looked back upon with less
grief and bitterness of feeling, than it must be regarded at present.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S POSITION]

_Memorandum by Mr Anson._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th August 1841._

Directly I got here this morning the Prince sent for me, and said he
had been made somewhat uneasy by a conversation he had just had with
the Queen. Her Majesty said that after the manner in which the Tories
had treated the Prince (relative to annuity) he ought now to keep them
at a distance. She said they would try to flatter him, and would all
come to see him; this he should r