CHAPTER V.

Lord Palmerston's Return--The Czar's Designs--Uncertain Prospects--A Dinner of Lawyers--Preparations for War--The Reform Scheme modified--Russian Preparations for War--Entry of the Black Sea--Intrigues of France with Russia--Attacks on Prince Albert--Virulence of the Press--Attitude of Russia--Reluctance on both sides to engage in War--Prince Albert's Participation in Affairs of State--Opening of Parliament--Vindication of Prince Albert--Offer of Marriage of Prince Napoleon to Princess Mary of Cambridge--Publication of the Queen's Speech--The Hesitation of Austria--Justification of the War--The Blue Books--Popularity of the War--Last Efforts for Peace--The Emperor Napoleon's Letter--Lord John's Reform Bill--Difficulties arising--The Greeks--Objections to the Reform Bill--Postponement of the Reform Bill _page 121_