Mr.Adams, however, although he knew, as he says, that "Webster was panting for the English mission," and hinted that the wish might be gratified hereafter, was not ready to go so far at the moment, and at the same time he sought to dissuade Mr.Webster from being a candidate for the speakership, for which in truth the latter had no inclination.

Their relations, indeed, soon grew very pleasant.

Mr.Webster naturally became the leader of the administration forces in the House, while the President on his side sought Mr.Webster's advice, admired his oration on Adams and Jefferson, dined at his house, and lived on terms of friendship and confidence with him.

It is to be feared, however, that all this was merely on the surface.

Mr.Adams at the bottom of his heart never, in reality, relaxed in his belief that Mr.Webster was morally unsound.