en informal cabinet, before any binding resolutions
are taken. But I propose to let Palmer have his say (general) about law
reform on Friday." At Oxford he saw Dr. Pusey, "who behaved with all his
old kindness, and seemed to have forgotten the Temple(283) business, or
rather as if it had never been." On November 20, he records, "Cabinet
2-3/4-6-1/2. Some heads of a measure on Irish university education." No
communications were opened with the Irish bishops beforehand, probably
from a surmise that they would be bound to ask more than they could
obtain.

_Jan. 16, 1873, Hawarden._--Dr. Ingram [the distinguished fellow of
Trinity College] came in afternoon, and I was able to spend
several hours with him on the university question. 17.--Many hours
with Dr. Ingram on the bill and scheme; in truth, almost from
breakfast to dinner. Conversation with him in evening on Homer and
ancient questions. Read _Old Mortality_. 20.--Drew an abstract of
historical facts respecting Dublin university and college. 21.--Off
at 11. At 11 C.H.T. at 6 P.M. 25.--Mr. Thring 3-5-1/2 on Irish bill.
Attended Lord Lytton's funeral in the Abbey. The church lighted in
a frost-fog was sublime. 31.--Cabinet spent many hours in settling
Irish university bill. _Feb._ 2.--Paid a mournful visit to the
death-bedside of my old friend Milnes Gaskell.... Death has been
very busy around me. 8.--Cabinet 2-1/2-6-1/2. Passed the Irish
university bill. 13.--Worked until three upon my materials. Then
drove and walked. H. of C. 4-1/4-8-1/2. I spoke three hours in
introducing the Irish university bill with much detailed
explanation. (_Diary._)

Phillimore has an interesting note or two on his friend at this critical
time:--

_Feb. 2._--Gladstone looking well, but much aged. Spoke of anxiety
to retire when he could do so with honour, said he had _forced_
himself into the study of the whole question relating to Trinity
College, Dublin, and that he was sure that his enemies did not
understand the very curious facts relative to the university. It
seemed as if he meant to frame the government measure on a
historical and antiquarian basis. This will not satisfy the
country if the practical result is to place more power in the
hands of the papists. 10.--Gladstone looked very worn and anxious.
Spoke about the relief he should experience after Thursday, the
we