o Lord Holland in the House of
Lords, and said he had many apologies to make for what had
passed, but that he really was in such a state of excitement he
did not know what he said and did.[12]

[11] [_Supra_, p. 192 (March 21st, 1829).]

[12] [Lord Winchelsea was in the habit of flourishing a
white pocket handkerchief while he was speaking in the
House of Lords. This peculiarity; associated with his
sonorous tones, his excited action, and his extravagant
opinions, gave point to the incident.]

[Page Head: DEBATE ON THE CATHOLIC BILL.]

April 4th, 1829 {p.198}

On the third reading of the Catholic Bill in the House of Commons
Sadler failed, and Palmerston made a speech like one of
Canning's. The Bill has been two nights in the House of Lords.
They go on with it this morning, and will divide this evening.
The Chancellor made a very fine speech last night, and the Bishop
of Oxford spoke very well the night before, but the debate has
been dull on the whole; the subject is exhausted. The House of
Lords was very full, particularly of women; every fool in London
thinks it necessary to be there. It is only since last year that
the steps of the throne have been crowded with ladies; formerly
one or two got in, who skulked behind the throne, or were hid in
Tyrwhitt's box, but now they fill the whole space, and put
themselves in front with their large bonnets, without either fear
or shame.

April 5th, 1829 {p.199}

The question was put at a little before twelve last night, and
carried by 105--217 to 112 (a greater majority than the most
sanguine expected)--after a splendid speech from Lord Grey and a
very good one from Lord Plunket. Old Eldon was completely beat,
and could make no fight at all; his speech was wretched, they
say, for I did not hear it. This tremendous defeat will probably
put an end to anything like serious opposition; they will hardly
rally again.

I dined at Chesterfield House, but nobody came to dinner.
Chesterfield and his party were all at the House of Lords. I
found myself almost alone with Vesey Fitzgerald, with whom I had
much talk after dinner. He said that it would be a long time
before all the circumstances and all the difficulties relating to
their proceedings were known, but when they were it would be seen
how great had been the latter, how curious the former; that the
day the Chancellor, the Duke, and Peel were with the King they
actua