ew Ministers that this patronage should be disposed of, not by the
Lord Chamberlain, but, as it has hitherto been during your Majesty's
reign, by your Majesty upon consultation with your Prime Minister.

[Pageheading: DISTRESS OF THE QUEEN]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th May 1839._

The Queen thinks Lord Melbourne may possibly wish to know how she
is this morning; the Queen is somewhat calmer; she was in a wretched
state till nine o'clock last night, when she tried to occupy herself
and try to think less gloomily of this dreadful change, and she
succeeded in calming herself till she went to bed at twelve, and she
slept well; but on waking this morning, all--all that had happened
in one short eventful day came most forcibly to her mind, and brought
back her grief; the Queen, however, feels better now; but she couldn't
touch a morsel of food last night, nor can she this morning. The Queen
trusts Lord Melbourne slept well, and is well this morning; and that
he will come precisely at eleven o'clock. The Queen has received no
answer from the Duke, which is very odd, for she knows he got her
letter. The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne received her letter last night.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_8th May 1839._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
much grieved that he did not answer your Majesty's letter yesterday
evening, as your Majesty desired, but he did not get it till late, and
he felt much tired and harassed by all that had passed during the day.
The situation is very painful, but it is necessary for your Majesty to
be prudent and firm. It is of all things necessary not to be suspected
of any unfair dealing. Whilst Lord Melbourne holds his office,
everything of course may be written to him as usual; but still the
resolutions for the formation of the new Government will now commence,
and it will never do, whilst they are going on, either for appearance
or in reality, that Lord Melbourne should dine with your Majesty, as
he did before this disturbance. It would create feeling, possibly lead
to remonstrance, and throw a doubt upon the fairness and integrity
of your Majesty's conduct. All this is very painful both to do and to
say, but it is unavoidable; it must be said, and it must be done. Lord
Melbourne will wait upon your Majesty at eleven.[31]

[Footnote 31: Lord Melbourne had made the not unnatural
mistake of recommen