casions were so far like this that it was impossible even
for me, though unable to judge of the questions politically, not to
foresee painful consequences in the altered relations of old
friends, and therefore not to lament his decisions; though he had,
as he was sure to have, high and generous reasons in both cases.
Here again, there has been much to lament in all that led to his
resignation and fresh separation from many with whom he has acted
during half his political life, many so highly valued in public and
private. One cannot but feel all this, nor do I pretend
indifference to what is said of him, for I do think the next best
thing to deserving "spotless reputation" is possessing it. But
there are many comforts--first and foremost, a faith in him that
nothing can shake; then a firm hope that the country will one day
understand him better--besides, the relief was immense of finding
that he would be allowed to resign without breaking up the
Government. In short, we agreed yesterday that after all our pains
and anxieties we both felt strangely and almost unaccountably
happy. Of course, seeing him so was enough to make me so, and
perhaps there is something too in the unexpected freedom of body
and soul which loss of office has given him. This state of mind, in
which he has just left me for London, gives me good hope that he
will get well through his hard task to-night....

Ever yours affectionately,

FANNY RUSSELL

_Lady John Russell to Lord Minto_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 18, 1855

MY DEAREST PAPA,--I feel very guilty in not having written to you
since all these great events occurred, but you are pretty well able
to guess what I felt about them ... and the newspapers are much
better chroniclers of facts, though not of motives, than I can
be.... Of course, he proposed resignation immediately after he had
made his speech, but it was not then thought the Ministry would be
beat on Bulwer's motion, and Lord Palmerston and the rest begged
him to remain. Very soon, however, there was no doubt left as to
what would be the result of the motion, and as neither John nor
Doddy, the only other person I saw, had a hope that any fresh
resignation would be accepted, we had the painful prospect of the
destruction of the Ministry by his means.... But the surprise was
great as th