sion of this proposal being discussed in the Cabinet that
Melbourne, at the close of the meeting, made his famous remark, "By the by,
there is one thing we haven't agreed upon; what are we to say? Is it to
make our corn dearer or cheaper, or to make the price steady? I don't care
which; but we had better all say the same thing."

On June 4th, the very evening Lord John had intended to introduce his
measure, the Government was just defeated on Peel's motion of a want of
confidence: "Bill woke me at four this morning with the sad words, 'Beaten
by one! Oh dear, oh dear! To expect a triumph and see it won by the enemy.
Never mind; our friends deserve success if they cannot command it.... Party
at Lady Palmerston's. He was there."

Four days later her hesitations came to an end, and they were engaged to be
married.

Miss Lister wrote to Lord John on June 8th from Windsor Castle:

Oh! I am happier than I can tell you. God knows you have deserved
all the good that may come to you, and I always felt it must be
because of that. I long to be with you and to see her. ... Oh! I am
so happy, but I can scarcely believe it yet. I hope Lady Fanny will
write and then I think I shall believe it.

Ever yours affectionately, Harriet Lister

* * * * *

June 9, 1841 Could not write on Monday or Tuesday. Saw him on
Monday morning ... it was a strange dream all that day and is so
still.... As soon as he had left me Mama came in. Oh my own
dearest and best Mama, bless your poor weak but happy child. Then I
saw Papa. What good it did me to see his face of real
happiness!--then my brothers and sisters--I never saw William so
overcome.

ADMIRALTY, _June_ 10, 1841

Tried to be busy in the morning ... but nothing would do. Must
think and be foolish. He came in the afternoon and evening--brought
me an emerald ring.... Miss Lister came--both of us stupid from
having too much to say, but it was a great pleasure. Children
here to tea with ours (all but Victoria) and very merry and kind
to me. Dear precious children.

_Lady Minto to Lady Mary Abercromby_

ADMIRALTY, June 11, 1841

You must be longing so ardently for post-day that I hate to think
of the uncomfortable letter this is likely to be; but as Fanny is
writing to you herself, my letter will be of less consequence. Oh
the volumes and volumes