"The great lady has absolutely postponed her departure! Everybody had failed, even the Prince of Wales...

and I have no doubt I am not in favour.

I can't help it.

Salisbury says I have saved an Afghan War, and Derby compliments me on my unrivalled triumph." But before very long, on another issue, the triumph was the Faery's.

Disraeli, who had suddenly veered towards a new Imperialism, had thrown out the suggestion that the Queen of England ought to become the Empress of India.