But Lord Melbourne will use every effort in his power in order to keep the Administration together and to carry on the public service.

Lord Melbourne hears with concern from Mr Fox Maule that Lord John Russell does not return to business as readily as Mr Maule had hoped that he would, and Lord Melbourne fears that he will not do whilst he remains at Cassiobury with the children.

Solitude and retirement cherish and encourage grief.
Employment and exertion are the only means of dissipating it.
[Footnote 33: Declining to join the Government.

The original is not preserved among the Queen's papers.] [Pageheading: CANADA AND LORD DURHAM] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _22nd November 1838._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to acknowledge your Majesty's gracious communication received yesterday.
Lord Melbourne had nothing particular to lay before your Majesty, but still regrets that he did not write, as your Majesty might have wished to hear from him.
Lord Melbourne returns the King of Portugal's[34] letter, which, as your Majesty observes, is very rough and ill-tempered with reference to Lord Howard.[35] Lord Melbourne read it with much concern, as it shows so much dislike and alienation, as renders it very improbable that they should ever go on together well and in a friendly spirit.
Lord Melbourne fears that the epithets applied to Lord Howard, though very severe and full of resentment, are not entirely ill-chosen and inappropriate.
All the Ministers, except Lord Duncannon[36] and Lord John Russell, dined here yesterday, and they all appeared to be in very good-humour and disposed to co-operate in order to meet the difficulties by which we are surrounded....
With respect to Canada, Lord Melbourne feels that it may be considered somewhat presumptuous in him to undervalue danger, which is considered by those upon the spot to be so great and so imminent, but still he cannot feel the alarm which seems to be felt there.

Lord Durham, Lord Melbourne is convinced, exaggerates the peril in order to give greater _eclat_ to his own departure.