possible, and an hour after he had
kissed hands the new prime minister applied to Mr. Gladstone. The
decisions taken by him in answer to this and another application three
months later, mark one more of the curious turning points in his career
and in the fate of his party.

_Feb. 20, 1858._--Dined at Herbert's with Graham. We sat till 121/2,
but did not talk quite through the crisis. Palmerston has resigned.
He is down. I must now cease to denounce him. 21.--St. James's
morning, and holy communion. Westminster Abbey in evening, when I
sat by Sir George Grey. From St. James's I went to Lord Aberdeen's.
There Derby's letter reached me. We sent for Herbert and I wrote an
answer. Graham arrived and heard it; with slight modifications it
went. The case though grave was not doubtful. Made two copies and
went off before 6 with S. Herbert. We separated for the evening
with the fervent wish that in public life we might never part.

Two or three letters exhibit the situation:--

_Lord Derby to Mr. Gladstone._

_St. James's Square, Feb. 21, 1858._--In consequence of the adverse
vote of the other night, in which you took so prominent and
distinguished a part, the government, as you know, has resigned;
and I have been entrusted by the Queen with the difficult task,
which I have felt it my duty not to decline, of forming an
administration. In doing so, I am very desirous, if possible, of
obtaining the co-operation of men of eminence, who are not at this
moment fettered by other ties, and whose principles are not
incompatible with my own. Believing that you stand in this
position, it would afford me very great satisfaction if I could
obtain your valuable aid in forming my proposed cabinet; and if I
should be so fortunate as to do so, I am sure there would be on all
hands a sincere desire to consult your wishes, as far as possible,
as to the distribution of offices. I would willingly include Sidney
Herbert in this offer; but I fear he is too intimately associated
with John Russell to make it possible for him to accept.

_Mr. Gladstone to Lord Derby._

10 _Great George Street, Feb. 21, 1851._--I am very sensible of the
importance of the vote taken on Friday; and I should deeply lament
to see the House of Commons trampled on in consequence of that