t with this, and yet I don't know what to do. But what he does or
does not do, I think, should not regulate me."[63]

[63] "Life," by Twiss, vol. ii. p. 41.

The Court had recovered from the alarm the Queen had created. A
magnificent banqueting-room had been finished at the Brighton Pavilion,
60 feet long by 42 wide, and had been furnished with imperial
magnificence. This suggested anything but doubts of the Sovereign's
undisturbed rule. At Windsor, the current of affairs went merrily as a
marriage-bell, the Royal party enjoying "the contemplative man's
recreation" on the Virginia Water with a zeal that would have
gratified, if it did not edify, Izaak Walton; and now the Coronation
was boldly talked of--indeed, preparations were making for the
performance of this ceremony with the greatest possible splendour.

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Strathfieldsaye. April 23, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD BUCKINGHAM,

I have received your note in answer to that which I wrote to you on
Wednesday; and I wish you would let me know whether you have any
objection to my stating that I know those are your feelings, if
there should be an opportunity.

I shall be at Winchester on Wednesday, for the meeting of the
Lieutenancy, but I am obliged to return here that night, as I have
some people here; otherwise, I should take that opportunity of
paying you a visit at Avington.

Believe me, ever yours most sincerely,

WELLINGTON.

I was last week at Woburn. I think the Opposition are much more
annoyed at having failed in pledging a number of persons by a vote
to go with a Committee on Reform, than they are at the loss of the
Roman Catholic Bill.

RIGHT HON. THOMAS GRENVILLE TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Dropmore, May 15, 1821.

MY DEAR LORD B----,

I hear from London that the D---- of N---- has been so ill-advised
as to have offered to the Q---- the Marshal's box at the
Coronation, and that she has written to the K---- to know where and
in what dress she should appear at that ceremony. I presume the
answer will be, "In a white sheet, in the middle aisle of the
Abbey." Perhaps _two_ white sheets might be more appropriate, if
the report is founded of Bergami the Second, in the person of a
certain strapping Scotch Baxter, seven foot by six. If the K----
continues to drive Lord L---- to the w