_August 24th._--On Saturday at Windsor for a Council, for the Speech: the last Council, I presume, which these Ministers will hold. Nothing particular occurred. I believe that the Queen is extremely annoyed at what is about to take place, and would do anything to avert it; but as that is impossible, she has made up her mind to it. She seemed to me to be in her usual state of spirits. The truth is, when it comes to the point, that it is very disagreeable to have a complete change of decoration, to part with all the faces she has been accustomed to, and see herself surrounded with new ones. That, however, is a very immaterial matter in comparison with the loss of Melbourne's society, and of those confidential habits which have become such an essential part of her existence. [Sidenote: OPENING OF THE NEW PARLIAMENT.] CHAPTER XII. Debate on the Address in the Lords--Conservative Majority in the New Parliament--Sir R. Peel's Audience of the Queen--Auspicious Policy of Peel--Council at Claremont--Change of Ministry--Lord Melbourne's Message to Sir R. Peel--What Sir R. Peel said to the Queen--Lord Melbourne's View of the recent Appointments at Court--The Duke of Wellington on the recent Appointments--A Party at Windsor--Future Course of Events predicted--Visit to Woburn--Junius--Jobbing at the Foreign Office--Contempt for the late Government--Summary--Louis Philippe--Forgery of Exchequer Bills--The Tower Fire--Birth of the Prince of Wales--Delicate Questions--Prince Albert receives the Keys of the Cabinet Boxes--Charles Elliot--Strength of the Government--Lord Ripon and John Macgregor--French Intrigues in Spain.