The Duchess was afterwards a Lady of the Bedchamber.] [Footnote 34: Sir Henry Hardinge (1785-1856) had been Secretary at War, and Chief Secretary for Ireland, under former Tory Governments.] [Footnote 35: Master-General of the Ordnance.] [Footnote 36: M.P.for East Kent.

He became Paymaster-General in Peel's Cabinet.] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ _18th May 1841._ ...

I was sure you would feel for me.

Since last Monday, the 10th, we have lived in the daily expectation of a final event taking place, and the debate _still_ continues, and it is not certain whether it will even finish to-night, this being the eighth night, it having begun on Friday the 7th, two Saturdays and two Sundays having intervened! Our plans are so unsettled that I can tell you nothing, only that you may depend upon it nothing will be done without having been duly, properly, and maturely weighed.

Lord Melbourne's conduct is as usual perfect; fair, calm, and totally disinterested, and I am certain that in whatever position he is _you_ will treat him _just_ as you have always done.
My dearest Angel is indeed a great comfort to me.