Never were the inconsistencies of Lord Melbourne's character shown more clearly than in what followed.

So long as he was in office, his attitude towards Peel had been irreproachable; he had done all he could to facilitate the change of government, he had even, through more than one channel, transmitted privately to his successful rival advice as to the best means of winning the Queen's good graces.

Yet, no sooner was he in opposition than his heart failed him.

He could not bear the thought of surrendering altogether the privilege and the pleasure of giving counsel to Victoria--of being cut off completely from the power and the intimacy which had been his for so long and in such abundant measure.

Though he had declared that he would be perfectly discreet in his letters, he could not resist taking advantage of the opening they afforded.