_April 4th._--I went to Althorp last week, and returned for a Council on Friday. After it Graham and I stayed behind, when he talked about the Government and their prospects, which he thought pretty good; they were going on in great harmony, and the greater, he thought, because they had originally had such diversities of opinion. This led to a disposition to mutual concession, and feelings of delicacy towards each other. The Queen is extremely attached to Aberdeen, more than to any minister she had ever had. Lord John's position anomalous and unsatisfactory, and always a question whether he would not become disgusted and back out. Graham said that Clarendon was doing admirably--better than he had anticipated. THE ROYAL CHILDREN. Lady Lyttelton, whom I met at Althorp, told me a great deal about the Queen and her children; nothing particularly interesting. She said the Queen was very fond of them, but severe in her manner, and a strict disciplinarian in her family. She described the Prince of Wales to be extremely shy and timid, with very good principles, and particularly an exact observer of truth; the Princess Royal is remarkably intelligent. I wrote this because it will hereafter be curious to see how the boy grows up, and what sort of performance follows this promise, though I shall not live to see it. She spoke in very high terms of the Queen herself, of the Prince, and of the simplicity and happiness of her private and domestic life. CHAPTER III. Weakness of the Government--Gladstone's Budget--A Conversation with Disraeli--Suicidal Conduct of the Tories--Their Irritation--A Charge against Mr. Gladstone defeated--The Stafford Committee--Harmony of the Government--Electoral Corruption--Impending War--Success of the Government--Macaulay's Speech on the Judges' Exclusion Bill--Erroneous Predictions from Paris--Unsettled Policy as to the War--Lord John's Anti-Catholic Speech--The English and French Fleets sail for the Dardanelles--Conduct of Austria--Russia means War--Attacks by the Opposition--Explanations desired--Attempted Mediation--Lord Aberdeen's Confidence shaken--Divisions of Opinion--Terms of Accommodation--Lord Palmerston's Views--Prospect of Peace--Division in the Lords on the Succession Duties Bill--Friendly Relations of Lord Palmerston and Lord Clarendon--Fears of War--Hopes of Peace--Lord Palmerston and Mr. Cobden--Rejection of the Vienna Note--Lord Palmerston courted by the Tories--Lord John Russell's Position--The Duke of Bedford's Part in the last Crisis--Dangers at Constantinople--Lord Stratford's Influence--Suspected Intrigue of France with Russia--Lord Palmerston goes to Balmoral--Sir James Graham's View--Lord Stratford's Conduct--Importance of the Vienna Note--A Cabinet summoned.