had all taken in resigning,
which he did not expect. The Queen talked of her great friendship for,
and gratitude to Lord Melbourne, and repeated what she had said to the
Duke, in which Peel agreed; but he is such a cold, odd man she can't
make out what he means. He said he couldn't expect me to have the
confidence in him I had in you (and which he never can have) as he has
not deserved it. My impression is, he is not _happy_ and sanguine. He
comes to me to-morrow at one to report progress in his formation of
the new Government. The Queen don't like his manner after--oh! how
different, how dreadfully different, to that frank, open, natural and
most kind, warm manner of Lord Melbourne.[33] The Duke I like by far
better to Peel. The Queen trusts Lord Melbourne will excuse this long
letter, but she was so very anxious he should know all. The Queen was
very much collected, and betrayed no agitation during these two
trying Audiences. But afterwards again _all_ gave way. She feels Lord
Melbourne will understand it, amongst enemies to those she most relied
on and esteemed, and people who seem to have no heart; but what is
worst of all is the being deprived of seeing Lord Melbourne as she
used to do.

[Footnote 32: _Sic_: an obvious mistake for "black was
black."]

[Footnote 33: Lady de Grey had written to Peel on 7th
May:--"The Queen has always expressed herself much impressed
with Lord Melbourne's open manner, and his truth. The latter
quality you possess, the former not.

"Now, dear Peel, the first impression on so young a girl's
mind is of immense consequence, accustomed as she has been
to the open and affectionate manner of Lord Melbourne, who,
_entre nous_, treats her as a father, and, with all his
faults, feels for her as such."--_Sir Robert Peel_, Parker,
vol. ii. p. 389.]

[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE'S ADVICE]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_9th May 1839._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has read
with the greatest attention the very clear and distinct account which
your Majesty has written of that which passed at the Audiences which
your Majesty has given to the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel.
Nothing could have been more proper and judicious than your Majesty's
conduct, and they appear to have acted upon their part with propriety
and sincerity. Lord Melbourne has no doubt that both with respect
to him (Lo