lbert said to him at Windsor: "We Germans have
no boundaries; our only boundary is the Quadrilateral," _i.e._
fortress in the heart of Italy. This, I fear, must be true, and,
if so, is sad enough, because he evidently spoke his mind out
unsuspiciously.

_Dec. 18._--I actually went last night five mortal miles to Hoxton
to see "Eily O'Connor," the Colleen Bawn in another shape! It was
not without interest, though very inferior, and imitated in some
cases with a ludicrous closeness. The theatre is a poor working
man's theatre. I paid 1s. for a very aristocratic place. To-night
I am going with Phillimore to the Westminster play, a Latin one,
which I am afraid is rather long.

_Jan. 18, 1861._--I write a few lines to you in the train, near
Harrow. We shall not be in till four; all safe; and immense care
evidently taken on account of the frost, though I do not feel it
much in the air. I have had other matters to keep me warm. Among
the letters given me this morning at Hawarden was one from Lord
John, in which he quietly informs me that since the cabinet
separated _he_ has agreed to guarantee a loan, and for Morocco!
This I mean to resist, and have managed to write a letter in the
carriage to tell him so. What will come of it, I do not know. It
is a very serious affair. I am afraid he has committed himself
egregiously. I am very bad now; but what _shall_ I be at
sixty-eight?

_Jan. 19._--Indeed, this is a strange world. Yesterday it seemed
Lord J. Russell might go out, or more likely I might, or even the
cabinet might go to pieces. To-day he writes to me that he
supposes he must find a way out of his proposal! So that is over.

_Jan. 23._--You seem to have taken great pains about stable
affairs, and I am quite satisfied. The truth indeed, alas, is, I
am not fit at this critical time to give any thought to such
matters. The embarrassment of our vast public expenditure,
together with the ill effects of the bad harvest, are so thick
upon me, together with the arrangements for next year and the
preparation of my own bills for improvements, which, though a
laborious, are a healthy and delightful part of my work.

_Jan. 24._--I expect Argyll to share my mutton to-night, and we
shall, I dare say, have a comfortable talk. Last night I saw
Herbert. I think he looks much better. H