CHAPTER VI.
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.