The period of suspense which followed the above communication was agreeably broken by the visit of the Treasury Commission, which came to inquire into Post Office salaries, &c. The Commissioners were Lord Elcho, Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir Charles Trevelyan, and Mr. Hoffay. My Journal thus describes the mode of my examination:--
"_December 2nd._--The Commissioners concluded my evidence.... Matters are conducted in a very pleasant, though discursive manner. As regards myself, it has been rather a conversation or discussion (as though I were a member of the Commission) than an examination."
Of the results of the investigation I shall speak under the head "Salaries."
The opening of the year 1854 still found me in the same position, though, certainly, with a better defined prospect than ever before. I had now, however, completed the seventh year of my service at the Post Office, and, perhaps, I may be excused if, in comparing fulfilment with expectations held out, I thought seven years a rather free interpretation of six months. Still, being convinced that the Postmaster-General was as earnest in my favour as even Lord Clanricarde had been, and also that the Chancellor of the Exchequer and even the Premier were sincerely desirous of speedily effecting the proposed change, I could afford to wait a little, though my health would not admit of a long delay. Fortunately, encouraging information soon came.
"_January 6th, 1854._--The Postmaster-General entered on the subject of my position at the Post Office. Showed me a letter from Lord Hardinge, to which he, no doubt, referred on the 13th of October; it is dated in August. Lord H. states that, at the usual rate of mortality among colonels, Sir William Herries' turn would occur before the end of January."
"_January 16th._--Dined at Lord Canning's; a pleasant small party. I sat next to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with whom I had much agreeable conversation."
I remember that I returned home with the impression that I had been all the time upon my trial (in a most friendly spirit, however), first, before the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and afterwards, though the notion may seem ridiculous, before Lady Canning, my host having very perceptibly led me into conversation with this highly-accomplished lady, and she having, with no little tact and much kindness, drawn me out. I was so far satisfied, however, with the interview that, had I but been in even my former health, the remaining interval of expectation would have seemed short.