CHAPTER XIX.

Death of Earl Spencer--His Character--M. Thiers in England--Fever of Speculation--Cabinets on the Corn Laws--'Every Man in his Humour'--Dickens on the Stage--'Alarm' wins a great Stake--Visit to Worsley--Manchester--Death of Lady Holland--Bretby--Southwell--Sherwood Forest--Announcement of the Repeal of the Corn Laws--A Ministerial Crisis--Sir Robert Peel resigns--Lord John Russell sent for--Lord Wharncliffe's account of the Crisis--Proceedings of the Whigs--The Court--Attempts at an Understanding--Sir Robert Peel's Position--Lord Grey disagrees--Communication to Sir Robert Peel--Lord John undertakes to form a Government--Dénouement of the Crisis--Lord Howick refuses--Lord John Russell gives up the task 295