He had wrestled with the terrible Lord Palmerston, the embodiment of all that was most hostile to him in the spirit of England, and his redoubtable opponent had been overthrown.

Was England herself at his feet?
It might be so; and yet...

it is said that the sons of England have a certain tiresome quality: they never know when they are beaten.

It was odd, but Palmerston was positively still jaunty.

Was it possible?
Could he believe, in his blind arrogance, that even his ignominious dismissal from office was something that could be brushed aside?
III The Prince's triumph was short-lived.