MRS. G. I never mention his name at all; I leave that to Providence—to be understood.
MORLEY. Well, it has been understood, and answered—abundantly;
Chamberlain's star is in the ascendant again. It's strange; he and Mr.
Gladstone never really got on together.
MRS. G. I don't think he ever really tried—much.
MORLEY. Didn't he? Oh, you don't mean Mr. Gladstone?
MRS. G. And then, you see, the Queen never liked him. That has counted for a good deal.
MORLEY. It has—curiously.
MRS. G. Now why should it, Mr. Morley? She ought not to have such power—any more than I.
MORLEY. How can it be kept from either of you? During the last decade this country has been living on two rival catchwords, which in the field of politics have meant much—the "Widow at Windsor," and the "Grand Old Man." And these two makers of history are mentally and temperamentally incompatible. That has been the tragedy. This is her day, dear lady; but it won't always be so.
MRS. G. Mr. Morley, who is going to be—who will take Mr. Gladstone's place?
MORLEY. Difficult to say: the Queen may make her own choice. Spencer, perhaps; though I rather doubt it; probably Harcourt.