ad actually
become a source of weakness through the condemnation passed on him by the
country at large, he offered to resign.

[47] Kinglake, "Invasion of the Crimea," vol. iii, p. 348.

_Lady John to Lord John Russell_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _June_ 8, 1855

All is more beautiful than ever this morning. I am on my pretty red
sofa looking out from my middle window in lazy luxury at oak, ivy,
hawthorn, laburnum, and blue sky; not very much to be pitied, am I?
except, my dearest, for the weary, weary separation that takes away
the life of life--and for my anxiety about what is to be the result
of all this, which, however, I do not allow to weigh upon me. We
are in wiser hands than our own, and I should be a bad woman indeed
if so much leisure did not give some good thoughts that I trust
nothing can disturb.... Pray tell dear Georgy not to think any but
cheerful thoughts of me, and that she can do a great deal for me by
asking my friends--Cabinet and ex-Cabinet and all sorts--to visit
me whenever they are inclined for a drive into the country and
luncheon or tea among its beauties.

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 5, 1855

John to town and back. He is so much here now that my life is quite
different, and as I know he neglects no duty for the sake of
coming, I may also allow myself to enjoy it as he does.

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 7

Read John's speech and the bitter comments of Cobden and Roebuck.
Whether he was right or wrong in his views of peace, or in not
resigning when they were rejected by the Cabinet, he has nobly told
the simple truth without gloss or extenuation.

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 10

John writes that he saw Lord Palmerston and told him that he had
thought the Austrian proposals ought to be accepted at the time;
but that he did not think they ought now, after the late events of
the war. He proposed resignation if it would help the Government.
Lord Palmerston of course begged him to remain, which he will do.
The subject is more painful to me the more I think of it.

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 12

An anxious parting with John. He was to go straight to Lord
Clarendon, to find out what portion of the dispatches Lord
Clarendon was prepared to give. His explanation to be made to-night
of a sentence in his Friday's speech, by which some of his
colleagues understood him