The Queen mentioned the three Ladies' resignation, and her wish not to fill up the three Ladies' places immediately.

She mentioned Lady Byron,[78] to which he agreed immediately, and then said, as I had alluded to those communications, he hoped that he had been understood respecting the _other_ appointments (meaning the Ladies), that provided I chose some who had a leaning towards the politics of the Administration, I might take any I liked, and that he quite understood that I should notify it to them.

The Queen said this was her rule, and that she wished to choose moderate people who should not have scruples to resign in case another Administration should come in, as changing was disagreeable to her.

Here it ended, and so far well.

He was very anxious the Queen should understand _how_ anxious he was to do everything which was agreeable to the Queen.