Having satisfied myself that there had been a complete misunderstanding, which I think, as it was, might have been cleared up if there had been less precipitation and more openness and further endeavours to explain what was doubtful or ambiguous, I began to turn in my mind whether something could not be done to avert the impending danger, and renew the negotiation with Peel while it was still time. Labouchere had had a conversation with Graham, who had enlightened him, much as Wharncliffe had me; we came home together, and I found what Graham had told him had made a deep impression on him, and that he was as sensible as I am of the gravity and peril of the circumstances in which affairs are placed. I accordingly urged Lord Tavistock to endeavour to persuade Melbourne to see the Duke of Wellington and talk it over with him; he would at all events learn the exact truth as to what had passed, which it most essentially behoves him to know before he takes upon himself the responsibility of advising the Queen and of meeting Parliament once more with all the necessary explanations how and why he is still Minister, and from the Duke likewise he would learn what really is the _animus_ of Peel and his party, and what the real extent of their intended demands upon the Queen. He, and he alone, can enlighten her and pacify her mind; and if he is satisfied that there has been a misapprehension, and that Peel has required nothing but what she ought to concede, it would be his duty to advise her once more to place herself in Peel's hands. This is the only solution of the difficulty now possible, and this course, if he has sufficient wisdom, firmness, and virtue to adopt it, may still avert the enormous evils which are threatened by the rupture of the pending arrangements. CHAPTER VI. The Whigs retain the Government--Motives of the Queen--Decision of Ministers--Lord Brougham's Excitement--Ministerial Explanations--State of Affairs in Parliament--Lord Brougham's great Speech on the Crisis--Duke of Wellington's Wisdom and Moderation--Visit of the Grand Duke Alexander--Macaulay returns to Parliament--Disappointment of the Radicals--The Radicals appeased--Visit to Holland House--Anecdotes of George Selwyn-- False Position of the Whigs--Downton Castle--Payne Knight-- Malvern--Troy House--Castles on the Wye--Tintern Abbey--Bath-- Salisbury Cathedral--Death of Lady Flora Hastings--Violent Speech of the Duke--Conversation with the Duke of Wellington-- Lord Clarendon's _debut_ in the House of Lords--Lord Brougham attacks Lord Normanby--His fantastic Conduct--Pauper School at Norwood. May 12th, 1839 {p.207}