Of course, with persons in new and rather awkward situations, some of whom had never been in high office before, all of whom had not been so now for some years, there was a good deal of embarrassment and mistakes.

Forms which are only gone through at long intervals of time, and not every day, are necessarily forgotten, and when they are required nobody knows them.

But Lord Melbourne cannot really think that they looked cross; most probably they did look shy and embarrassed.

Strange faces are apt to give the idea of ill humour....
Lord Melbourne anxiously hopes that your Majesty is well and happy to-day.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ SOUTH STREET, _5th September 1841._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

Your Majesty may depend upon it, that if Lord Melbourne hears anything respecting your Majesty, which it appears to him to be important or advantageous, that your Majesty should know, Lord Melbourne will not fail to convey it to your Majesty.
Lord Melbourne encloses the exact names of the two gentlemen to whom Knighthood has been promised by your Majesty....
Your Majesty is very good, very good indeed, to think of doing what your Majesty mentions for Fanny; but Lord Melbourne fears that it would hardly suit with their present situation, or with the comfort of their domestic life.