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  seek a melancholy indulgence. It were beautiful to see the idolised Queen, who in her royal prosperity had so long rested on the virtues of that noble Prince, now dedicating herself to his memory and to his unfinished works of goodness. Her people might not be blamed if they had imagined this life-fixed cast to Victoria's sorrow. But I fear the rumour will be found to ripen into fact, and that the reign of Albert Edward will commence with another year.

The meeting of Parliament was a gloomy ceremony. That clear silver voice which used to speak from the throne, enchanting all listeners, was absent, and, as every heart felt, stifled by an impenetrable and unavailing gloom. The attendance of Lords was very small, and the few ladies in the galleries sat like icy effigies amidst the gorgeousness that blazed from the walls and ceiling of the Peers' Chamber. The muster in the Commons was much more numerous, though few of the stars vouchsafed to shine on the first gathering. The formal figure of Mr. Edward Baines was one of the first to invade the solitude of the empty benches, and Lord Hotham, in ancient habiliments, and with a James Macarthur