xt? The great object, he said, was to get rid of all personal
questions, and to consider how all those men who were united in
their general views of government might combine together to carry
on with effect. For himself he felt both uncertain and indifferent;
he might be able to carry on the government or he might not; but
the question lay beyond that, by what combination or arrangement of
a satisfactory nature, in the event of his displacement, the
administration of public affairs could be conducted.

To this I replied, that it seemed to me that _our_ situation
(meaning that of Herbert, Goulburn, and others, with myself) in
relation to his government remained much as it was in March and
April last.... We have to expect your budget, and the production of
that is the next step. He replied that he much desired to see
whether there was a possibility of any _rapprochement_, and seemed
to glance at personal considerations as likely perhaps to stand in
the way [Disraeli, presumably]. I said in reply, that no doubt
there were many difficulties of a personal nature to be faced in
conceiving of any ministerial combination when we looked at the
present House of Commons: many men of power and eminence, but great
difficulties arising from various causes, present and past
relations, incompatibilities, peculiar defects of character, or
failure in bringing them into harmony. I said that, as to relations
of parties, circumstances were often stronger than the human will;
that we must wait for their guiding, and follow it.... He said,
rather decidedly, that he assented to the truth of this doctrine.
He added, 'I think Sidney said more last night than he intended,
did he not?' I answered, 'You mean as to one particular expression
or sentence?' He rejoined, 'Yes.'[272] I said, 'I have had no
conversation with him on it, but I think it very probable that he
grew warm and went beyond his intention at that point; at the same
time, I think I ought to observe to you that I am confident that
expression was occasioned by one particular preceding speech in the
debate.' He gave a significant assent, and seemed to express no
surprise.

IV

MR. DISRAELI'S PROPOSALS

The respite for ministers was short. The long day of s