informing his Grace that the King had dismissed the Whig Ministry, and
sent for the Duke of Wellington. Thus the first agitating suspense was
over; to be succeeded, however, by expectation still more anxious. It was
remarkable that every individual suddenly found that he had particular
business in London which could not be neglected. The Duke very properly
pleaded his executorial duties; but begged his guests on no account to be
disturbed by his inevitable absence. Lord Fitz-Booby had just received a
letter from his daughter, who was indisposed at Brighton, and he was most
anxious to reach her. Tadpole had to receive deputations from Wesleyans,
and well-registered boroughs anxious to receive well-principled
candidates. Taper was off to get the first job at the contingent Treasury,
in favour of the Borough of Shabbyton. Mr. Rigby alone was silent; but he
quietly ordered a post-chaise at daybreak, and long before his fellow
guests were roused from their slumbers, he was halfway to London, ready to
give advice, either at the pavilion or at Apsley House.




CHAPTER IV.


Although it is far from improbable that, had Sir Robert Peel been in
England in the autumn of 1834, the Whig government would not have been
dismissed; nevertheless, whatever may now be the opinion of the policy of
that measure; whether it be looked on as a premature movement which
necessarily led to the compact reorganisation of the Liberal party, or as
a great stroke of State, which, by securing at all events a dissolution of
the Parliament of 1832, restored the healthy balance of parties in the
Legislature, questions into which we do not now wish to enter, it must be