On May the 18th, Grenville went to receive the King’s orders for the speech at the close of the session, which was to end the next week. The King said, coldly, there was no hurry; he would have the Parliament adjourned, not prorogued. Grenville, thunderstruck, said, “There was so much mystery in that speech, that he must beg leave to ask if his Majesty had any thoughts of making a change in his Administration?”--“Certainly,” replied the King; “I cannot bear it as it is. I will have the Parliament only adjourned.” “I hope,” replied Grenville, “your Majesty will not order me to cut my own throat.”--“Then,” said the King, “who must adjourn the Parliament?”--“Whoever your Majesty shall appoint my successor,” said Grenville. The Ministers, on the communication of this notice, took the only sensible step that remained in their situation, which was, by dissolving the Administration themselves, to involve the King in such a labyrinth of negotiations and demands, as might end in nothing, and reduce him to apply again to them. Accordingly, Bedford, Grenville, and the two Secretaries of State acquainted his Majesty they should resign on the following Tuesday, if no Administration was formed by that time.[131] Hostilities thus commenced, other secrets came out. It was known that the design of the Court was to place the Earl of Northumberland at the head of the Treasury. The Duke of Cumberland had come into the plan, and Lord Albemarle had been sent very privately to Hayes, to ask Mr. Pitt’s assistance and junction in that scheme. Pitt’s behaviour was neither promising nor condescending. Yet, both the King and the Duke were so bent on union with him, that Lord Albemarle had been despatched again to Hayes with repeated offers. Pitt talked in general terms of a total alteration of measures; of a strict alliance against France; and of condemnation of General Warrants, though to be turned in some shape that might save his Majesty’s honour. Still, however, he kept great reserve, and to draw the fuller _éclat_ from the negotiation, let Lord Albemarle perceive that he would not deign to negotiate with a substitute, but expected a personal interview with the Duke of Cumberland himself. Even this was granted, and (it was thought) wisely, as, if Pitt could be awed, it must be by so able and respectable a Prince. On the other hand, some men feared that Pitt’s haughtiness was more likely to augment than stoop to any dignity below the throne.