We were told
that if we did not conform absolutely and without appeal to
the will and pleasure of one individual, the cards would be
thrown up. We gave in; the game has been played, and won. I
am not at all clear that it has been won by those tactics--but
gained it is; and now what shall we do? In my opinion it is
high time to get rid of the dictatorship. The new ruse now
for the palace is to persuade her Majesty that Peel is the
only man who can manage the House of Lords. Well, then it is
exactly the time to make certain persons understand that the
House of Lords are not going to be tools any longer merely for
other people. Rely upon it a bold united front at this moment
would be a spoke in the wheel. We three form the nucleus;
there are plenty to gather round. I have written to
Marisforde; he is quite ripe. Lord Hounslow will be here to-
morrow. The thing is to be done; and if we are not firm the
grand conservative triumph will only end in securing the best
posts both at home and abroad for one too powerful family."
"Who had never been heard of in the time of my father," said
the duke.
"Nor in the time of mine," said Lord de Mowbray.
"Royal and Norman blood like ours," said Lord Marney, "is not
to be thrown over in that way.
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