t to him. The Queen said that Lord Melbourne had
always been very particular to name no one who might be disagreeable
to her in the Household, and Sir R. Peel said he felt this, and
should be most anxious to do what could be agreeable to me and for my
comfort, and that he would even sacrifice any advantage to this. The
Queen mentioned the three Ladies' resignation, and her wish not to
fill up the three Ladies' places immediately. She mentioned Lady
Byron,[78] to which he agreed immediately, and then said, as I had
alluded to those communications, he hoped that he had been understood
respecting the _other_ appointments (meaning the Ladies), that
provided I chose some who had a leaning towards the politics of the
Administration, I might take any I liked, and that he quite understood
that I should notify it to them. The Queen said this was her rule, and
that she wished to choose moderate people who should not have scruples
to resign in case another Administration should come in, as changing
was disagreeable to her. Here it ended, and so far well. He was
very anxious the Queen should understand _how_ anxious he was to do
everything which was agreeable to the Queen. The Queen wishes to know
if Lord Melbourne thinks she should name the Duchess of Buccleuch
Mistress of the Robes, on Wednesday, and if she shall ask Sir Robert
to sound the Duchess, or some one else, and then write to appoint her?
She thinks of proposing Lady de la Warr and Lady Abercorn by and by as
the two Ladies, but these she will sound herself through other people,
or Lady Canning, or Lady Rosslyn, in case these others should not take
it. She should say she meant to sound those, and no more. What the
Queen felt when she parted from her dear, kind friend, Lord Melbourne,
is better imagined than described; she was dreadfully affected for
some time after, but is calm now. It is very, very sad; and she cannot
quite believe it yet. The Prince felt it very, very much too, and
really the Queen cannot say how kind and affectionate he is to her,
and how anxious to do everything to lighten this heavy trial; he was
quite affected at this sad parting. We do, and shall, miss you so
dreadfully; Lord Melbourne will easily understand what a change it
is, after these four years when she had the happiness of having Lord
Melbourne always about her. But it will not be so long till we meet
again. Happier and brighter times will come again. We anxiously hope
Lord Melbourne is well