very
remarkable, and even more enthusiastic. I was the only layman
among five hundred lawyers; and it made me, wickedly, think of my
position when locked alone in the Naples gaol.

_Jan. 19, 1865._--The cabinet has been to-day almost as rough as
any of the roughest times. In regard to the navy estimates, I have
had no effective or broad support; platoon-firing more or less in
my sense from Argyll and Gibson, four or five were silent, the
rest hostile. Probably they will appoint a committee of cabinet,
and we may work through, but on the other hand we may not. My
_opinion_ is manifestly in a minority; but there is an
unwillingness to have a row. I am not well able to write about
other things--these batterings are sore work, but I must go
through. C. Paget and Childers hold their ground.

_Jan. 28._--The morning went fast but wretchedly. Seldom, thank
God, have I a day to which I could apply this epithet. Last night
I could have done almost anything to shut out the thought of the
coming battle. This is very weak, but it is the effects of the
constant recurrence of these things. Estimates always settled at
the dagger's point.--(_Diary._)

_Osborne, Jan. 31._--I hope you got my note last night. The weather
here is mild, and I sit with open window while writing. The Queen
and Princess both ask about you abundantly. I have been most
pertinacious about seeing the baby prince. I tried to make the
request twice to the Princess, but I think she did not understand
my words. Determined not to be beat, I applied to the Prince, who
acceded with glee, but I don't know what will come of it. He
talked with good sense last night about Greece, Ionian Islands,
and Canada; and I was his partner at whist. We came off quits. I
dined last night, and also saw the Queen before dinner, but only
for a quarter of an hour or so. She talked about Japan and Lord
Palmerston, but there was not time to get into swing, and nothing
said of nearer matters.

The sort of success that awaited his strenuous endeavour has been already
indicated.(98)

II

In the spring Mr. Gladstone made the first advance upon what was to be an
important journey. All through February and March he worked with
Phillimore and others upon the question of the Irish church. The thing was
delicate, for his constituency would undoubtedly be adve