The Duke then took my decision to Sir Robert, who was waiting in the next room; after a few minutes Sir Robert returned.

After stopping a few minutes, as I have already stated, Sir Robert went to see his colleagues, and returned at five: said he had consulted with those who were to have been his colleagues, and that they agreed that, with the probability of being beat the first night about the Speaker, and beginning with a Minority in the House of Commons, that unless there was _some_ (_all_ the Officers of State and Lords I gave up) demonstration of my confidence, and if I retained all my Ladies this would not be, "they agreed unanimously they could not go on." I replied I would reflect, that I felt certain I should not change my mind, but that I should do nothing in a hurry, and would write him my decision either that evening or the next morning.

He said, meanwhile, he would suspend all further proceedings.
[Footnote 36: Afterwards Earl of Shaftesbury, the well-known Philanthropist.] [Footnote 37: J.W.Croker wrote to the King of Hanover:-- "_11th May 1839._ "...

This is the sum of the whole affair.

Sir R.Peel could not admit that broad principle that all were to remain.
Lady Normanby (whom the Queen particularly wishes for), for instance, the wife of the very Minister whose measures have been the cause of the change, two sisters of Lord Morpeth, the sisters-in-law of Lord John Russell, the daughter of the Privy Seal and the Chancellor of the Exchequer....
"Her Majesty's ball last night was, I am told, rather dull, though she herself seemed in high spirits, as if she were pleased at retaining her Ministers.