the
hope of escaping to the country at the end of next week, unless
the proposals of the government as to the mode of providing for
the expense of this unhappy war should prove to be very
exceptionable, which at present I do not expect. I saw Lord
Russell last night. He seemed very well but more deaf. Lady
Russell has had some partial failure of eyesight. Lord R. is
determined on an educational debate, and has given notice of
resolutions; all his friends, I think, are disposed to regret it.
I am told the exchequer is deplorably poor. Poor Disraeli has been
sorely cut up; and it has not yet appeared that Mrs. Disraeli is
out of danger, though she is better. Her age seems to be at the
least seventy-six. I have been to see my china exhibited in its
new home at Liverpool, where it seemed pretty comfortable.

_1868_

_31 Bloomsbury Square, Jan. 3._--I promised to write to you in case
I found matters either bad or good. I lament to say they are bad.
He [Panizzi] is weaker, more feverish (pulse to-day at 122 about
noon), and very restless. The best will be a severe struggle and
the issue is _likely_ to be unfavourable. At the same time he is
not given over. I said, I shall come to-morrow. He said, You will
not find me alive. I replied that was wrong. I believe there is no
danger to-morrow, but what next week may do is another matter. He
is warm and affectionate as ever, and very tender. He is firm and
resigned, not stoically, but with trust in God. I am very sad at
the thought of losing this very true, trusty, hearty friend. I
must go to-morrow, though of course I should stay if I could be of
any use.(138)

This year the end came, and a few lines from his diary show the loss it
was to Mr. Gladstone:--

_Oct. 28._--The post brought a black-bordered letter which
announced the death of the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland. I have
lost in her from view the warmest and dearest friend, surely, that
ever man had. Why this noble and tender spirit should have had
such bounty for me and should have so freshened my advancing
years, my absorbed and divided mind, I cannot tell. But I feel,
strange as it might sound, ten years the older for her death. May
the rest and light and peace of God be with her ever more until
_that day_. None will fill her place for me, nor for many worthier
than