“_January 24._--George, the page, did not know what event we celebrated on Christmas Day! I hope he will come on, but it is sad, as he is near fifteen. “_January 29._--To-day William met the King of Prussia[59] at Bunsen’s. H.M. recognised him, and said he wished to have some conversation with him about his book. Lady Canning was the only lady except the hostess. A queer medley of people--clergymen, Quakers, scientific men. I dined at Mrs. Grenville’s, meeting the Duchess of Sutherland,[60] Lord and Lady Mahon, Mr. Harcourt, and Mr. Samuel Rogers. Pleased with both Duke and Duchess; she spoke so nicely and naturally about nursing her babies. “_January 31._--We dined at the Duchess of Beaufort’s alone, and to Stafford House[61] afterwards. Never so struck by that splendid house, specially the staircase, where a band was playing. Saw the King of Prussia; a strong likeness to O’Connell, with an ingenuous countenance. “_February 1._--At the Duke of Wellington’s to meet the King of Prussia--the first time I had been to Apsley House--which gave me great pleasure; he sat near the pianoforte listening to the music, apparently lost to everything besides. “_February 5._--William told me something of great interest; he was harassed, and we were glad to escape quietly to pass our evening alone. “_February 6._--At St. Martin’s and St. James’s Churches. Before the end of the day William a different being, and his appetite returned. “_Sunday, February 13._--A note from Sir Robert Peel desiring William to follow Lord John Russell in the House on Monday. He made no preparation to-day. “_February 14._--This has been a happy chance which fixed my night at the House of Commons for his speech. Lady Stanley was in the next division. I found myself nearly upon Lady John Russell’s lap--with Lady Palmerston and some other wives near; funny, we began talking, though before unacquainted, and I told her my husband was to answer hers, which news she received with the greatest interest. She said her heart was beating, and she was all attention when Lord John began. He spoke for an hour and a half with eloquence and cleverness, but he made one slip, which William made much of in a speech which lasted two hours. It was quite pain to me before he got up, but before he had said many words, there was something at once so spirited, so collected, in his manner that all fright was lost in intense interest and delight. Pride is not perhaps the right feeling; great thankfulness was, however, mixed up with it. We heard him very well; he was rapid, and without the smallest hesitation throughout. Peel was evidently much delighted, and from all I gather this speech has made a very great sensation. We had coffee in our room--how snug I need hardly describe, indeed I could not.