_Whitehall, Jan. 11._--I came back from Windsor this morning, very
kindly used. The Queen mentioned particularly that you were not
asked on account of presumed inconvenience, and sent me a private
print of the Prince of Wales, and on my thanking for it through
Lady Lyttelton, another of the Princess. Also she brought the
little people through the corridor yesterday after luncheon, where
they behaved very well, and she made them come and shake hands with
me. The Prince of Wales has a very good countenance; the baby I
should call a very fine child indeed. The Queen said, After your
own you must think them dwarfs; but I answered that I did not think
the Princess Royal short as compared with Willy. We had more cards
last evening; Lady ---- made more blunders and was laughed at as
usual....

_Jan. 13._--I think there will certainly be at least one cabinet
more in the end of the week. My position is what would commonly be
called uncomfortable. I do not know how long the Maynooth matter
may be held over. I may remain a couple of months, or only a
week--may go at any time at twenty-four hours' notice. I think on
the whole it is an even chance whether I go before or after the
meeting of parliament, so that I am unfeignedly put to obey the
precept of our Lord, 'Take no thought for the morrow; the morrow
will take thought for the things of itself.' I am sorry that a part
of the inconvenience falls on your innocent head. I need not tell
you the irksomeness of business is much increased, and one's
purposes unmanned by this indefiniteness. Still, having very
important matters in preparation, I must not give any signs of
inattention or indifference.

_Cabinet Room, Jan. 14._--I have no news to give you about myself,
but continue to be quite in the dark. There is a certain Maynooth
bill in preparation, and when that appears for decision my time
will probably have come, but I am quite ignorant when it will be
forthcoming. I am to be with Peel to-morrow morning, but I think on
board of trade business only. Graham has just told us that the
draft of the Maynooth bill will be ready on Saturday; but it
cannot, I think, be _considered_ before the middle of next week at
the earliest.

_Jan. 15._--The nerves are a little unruly on a day like this
between (