He is quite well, and will be ready at half-past one.
The Prince's[34] observations are just, but still the making an advance to France now, coupled with our constant inability to carry into effect the terms of our Convention, will be an humiliating step.
Lord Melbourne sends a letter which he has received this morning from Lord Normanby, whom he had desired to see Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell, and try what he could do.
Lord Melbourne also sends a letter which he has received from Lord Lansdowne.
Lord Melbourne would beg your Majesty to return them both.
[Footnote 34: Prince Metternich.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ DOWNING STREET, _1st October 1840._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

We have had the Cabinet and it has passed over quietly.

We have agreed to make a proposition to France founded upon the communication of Prince Metternich to the King of the Belgians.[35] Palmerston will propose to-morrow to Neumann,[36] the Prussian Minister, and Brunnow,[37] that he should write to Granville, authorising him to acquaint Thiers that if France will concur in respecting the principle of the treaty, we, without expecting her to adopt coercive measures, will concert with her the further course to be adopted for the purpose of carrying the principle into effect.

This is so far so good.

Lord Melbourne trusts that it will get over the present entanglement, but of course we must expect that in a matter so complicated and which we have not the power of immediately terminating, further difficulties will arise.
[Footnote 35: _See_ p.231.