his heart is still altogether
with us; secondly, that his health, though requiring great care,
is really equal to the moderate demands we should make upon him.
The truth is I was quite as much knocked up with our conversation
as he was, but then I had the more active share. In the whole
range of subjects that we travelled over, we came to no point of
sharp difference, and I feel confident that he could work with the
cabinet as harmoniously and effectually as before. In saying this
I should add that I told him, with respect to economy, that I
thought we should now set our faces in that direction. I told him
that we should not expect of him ordinary night attendance in the
House of Commons, and that his attendance in the cabinet was the
main object of our desire. He was pleased and touched with our
desire, and he has not rejected the proposal. He has intimated
doubts and apprehensions, but he reserves it for consideration,
and seemed decidedly pleased to learn that the question _might_ be
held open until the meeting of parliament in case of need.... I
did not think it fair to put to him the request by which I
endeavoured to hold him in December 1868, viz.: that he would not
determine in the matter without seeing me again; but I begged and
pressed that he should in no case refuse without taking the
opinion of a first-rate London physician, as these are the people
whose wide experience best enables them to judge in such cases.
Altogether my experience of him was extremely pleasant, and he was
popular beyond measure in the house, where the guests were one or
two ladies and four gentlemen, Sir G. Prevost, a high church (but
most excellent) archdeacon, John Murray, the tory publisher, and
Hayward--whom to describe it needs not. One and all were charmed
with Bright. In his character the mellowing process has continued
to advance, and whatever he may have been thirty years ago, he is
now a gentle and tender being. Yesterday he had five hours of
conversation with me and much with others, also an hour and a half
walk in the rain, which seemed to do him no harm whatever. I will
add but one word. He was deeply impressed with the royalty
question.... Details I will report to the cabinet.

Mr. Bright did not yet feel able to return, and an important year, the
third of the administration, drew to its