ery naturally full of plans, the
second written when those plans had been blown into the air by the
anticipation (even) of Lord Palmerston's death. This great event
shakes me down to the foundation, by the reason of coming trouble.
I think two things are clear. 1. The Queen should have come to
London. 2. She should have sent for Lord Russell. I fear she has
done neither. Willy telegraphs to me that a letter from Lord
Russell had come to Downing Street. Now had he heard from the
Queen, he would (so I reason) either have telegraphed to me to go
up, or sent a letter hither by a messenger instead of leaving it
to kick its heels in Downing Street for a day. And we hear nothing
of the Queen's moving; she is getting into a groove, out of which
some one ought to draw her.

_Oct. 21._--As far as political matters are concerned, I am happier
this morning. Lord Russell, pleased with my letter, writes to say
he has been commissioned to carry on the present government as
first lord, wishes me to co-operate "in the capacity I now fill as
a principal member of the administration." I think that I have
struck a stroke for economy which will diminish difficulty when we
come to estimates for the year. I _hope_ from his letter that he
means to ask George Grey to lead, which would be very acceptable
to me. Though he does not summon me to London, I think I ought to
go, and shall do so accordingly to-day. I am sorry that this is
again more vexation and uncertainty for you.

_Oct. 22._--I came up last night and very glad I am of it. I found
that Lord Palmerston's funeral was almost to be private, not
because the family wished it, but because nothing had been
proposed to them. I at once sent--down to Richmond and Pembroke
Lodge with a letter, and the result is that Evelyn Ashley has been
written to by Lord Russell and authorised to telegraph to Balmoral
to propose a funeral in Westminster Abbey. It is now very late,
and all the preparations must have been made at Romsey. But in
such a matter especially, better late than never.

You will have been amused to see that on Friday the _Times_
actually put me up for prime minister, and yesterday knocked me
down again! There is a rumour that it was the old story, Delane
out of town. I was surprised at the first article, not at the
second. All, I am sorry