AN OLD FRIEND GOES TO WINDSOR.

'And what are they going to make you now?'

This question was asked of her husband by a lady with whom
perhaps the readers of this volume may have already formed some
acquaintance. Chronicles of her early life have been written, at
any rate copiously. The lady was the Duchess of Omnium, and her
husband was of course the Duke. In order that the nature of the
question asked by the Duchess may be explained, it must be stated
that just at this time the political affairs of the nation had
got themselves tied up into one of those truly desperate knots
from which even the wisdom and experience of septuagenarian
statesmen can see no unravelment. The heads of parties were at a
standstill. In the House of Commons, there was, so to say, no
majority on either side. The minds of members were so astray
that, according to the best calculation that could be made, there
would be a majority of about ten against any possible Cabinet.
There would certainly be a majority against either of those well-
tried, but, at this moment, little trusted Prime Ministers, Mr
Gresham and Mr Daubney. There were certain men, nominally
belonging to this or to the other party, who would certainly
within a week of the nomination of a Cabinet in the House, oppose
the Cabinet which they ought to support. Mr Daubney had been in
power,--nay, was in power, though he had twice resigned. Mr
Gresham had been twice sent for to Windsor, and had on one
occasion undertaken and on another had refused to undertake to
form a Ministry. Mr Daubney had tried two or three combinations,
and had been at his wits' end. He was no doubt still in power,--