see him in the Lords, but that he had great doubts whether
Mr. Gladstone would be willing. From Cannes Mr. Gladstone replied (Feb.
3):--

As to removal into the House of Lords, I think the reasons against
it of general application are conclusive. At least I cannot see my
way in regard to them. But at any rate it is obvious that such a
step is quite inapplicable to the circumstances created by the
present difficulty. It is really most kind of the Queen to testify
such an interest, and the question is how to answer her. You would
do this better and perhaps more easily than I.

Perhaps he remembered the case of Pulteney and of the Great Commoner.

He was not without remorse at the thought of his colleagues in harness
while he was lotus-eating. On the day before the opening of the session he
writes, "I feel dual: I am at Cannes, and in Downing Street eating my
parliamentary dinner." By February 21 he was able to write to Lord
Granville:--

As regards my health there is no excuse. It has got better and
better as I have stayed on, and is now, I think, on a higher level
than for a long time past. My sleep, for example, is now about as
good as it can be, and far better than it was during the autumn
sittings, _after_ which it got so bad. The pleasure I have had in
staying does not make an argument at all; it is a mere expression
or anticipation of my desire to be turned out to grass for
good....

At last the end of the holiday came. "I part from Cannes with a heavy
heart," he records on Feb. 26:--

Read the _Iliad_, copiously. Off by the 12.30 train. We exchanged
bright sun, splendid views, and a little dust at the beginning of
our journey, for frost and fog, which however hid no scenery, at
the end. _27th, Tuesday._--Reached Paris at 8, and drove to the
Embassy, where we had a most kind reception [from Lord Lyons].
Wrote to Lord Granville, Lord Spencer, Sir W. Harcourt. Went with
Lord L. to see M. Grevy; also Challemel-Lacour in his most
palatial abode. Looked about among the shops; and at the sad face
of the Tuileries. An embassy party to dinner; excellent company.

_To Lord Granville._

_Feb. 27th._--I have been with Lord Lyons to see Grevy and
Challemel-Lacour. Grevy's conversation consisted of civilities and
a mournful lecture on the political history of France, with many
compliments to the