between the two statesmen, "to be limited to that object, or is it to be extended to an union avowed, or otherwise?
"The advantages resulting from an union I need not mention, they are better understood than I am capable to explain.
"Some disadvantages will arise, the most important are:
"To abandon the present distinct, detached, and if I may be allowed the expression, independent situation, which may produce an effect on the minds of the public or in the closet.
"With regard to the public, I should rather think such an abandonment would be an advantage; they do not understand refinement, however correct and distinct; nor can they relish any political system unless it is en gros et en corps.
"With regard to the closet, which is the most important, it is far beyond my depth to form an opinion, although I could offer arguments on both sides, and perhaps all these arguments without the least foundation."[1]
The chief obstacle to any reconciliation was Richard Fitzpatrick, who continued to regard his brother-in-law with the most bitter aversion; ultimately however his objections also were overruled, chiefly as it would appear from the determination of Lord Holland, Mr. Grey, and other of the younger members of the Whig party not to allow the old animosities of their seniors, to stand in the way of what they themselves recognised to be a necessary step. So Fitzpatrick gave way with a growl. "Since the tergiversations of all parties of politicians," he wrote to Lady Ossory, " all objections to individuals must cease. When there is a disposition to reconciliation with Lord Lansdowne, a backwardness to join in it on my part would merely be improper, and at least there are advantages of a private kind, such as meeting Miss Vernon and Miss Fox there, which may compensate."[2]
The events of the French Revolution had caused the
