both from electors and non-electors which is very gratifying. ...It
is the more pleasant, as all the merchant princes turned their
princely backs upon me, and left me to fight as I could (the two
Hankeys alone excepted)....Fanny has not been very well since the
election ... but this blessed place will, I hope, soon restore her.

_Lady John Russell to Lord Minto_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _April_ 4, 1857

The City election engrossed my thoughts for many days, and made it
difficult to write to anybody who cared as much about it as you
till it was over. I have since spent my life in answering letters
and receiving visits of congratulation, most of them very hearty
and sincere, and accordingly very pleasant. I thought my days of
caring for popular applause were over, but there was something so
much higher than usual in the meaning of the cheers that greeted
John whenever he showed himself, that I was not ashamed of being
quite delighted. There was obviously a strong feeling among the
electors and non-electors, in Guildhall and in the streets, that
John had been unfairly and ungratefully set aside, which far
outweighed the effect of his unpopular opinions on ballot and
church rates. Altogether there was a good tone among the people (by
which I don't mean only one of attachment to John) which made me
proud of them. Next to the pleasure of seeing and hearing with my
own eyes and ears how strong his hold upon his countrymen still is,
was the pleasure I was wicked enough to feel at the reception which
greeted the unfortunate Raikes Currie.

The repose of Pemmy Lodge, which I hope you will by and by share
with us, is very welcome after our noisy triumph.

_Mr. Charles Dickens to Lady John Russell_

_May_ 22, 1857

DEAR LADY JOHN,--Coming to town yesterday morning out of Kent, I
found your kind and welcome note referring to the previous day. I
need not tell you, I hope, that although I have not had the
pleasure of seeing you for a long time, I have of late been
accompanying Lord John at a distance with great interest and
satisfaction. Several times after the City election was over I
debated with myself whether I should come to see you, but I
abstained because I knew you would be overwhelmed with
congratulations and I thought it was the more considerate to
withhold mine.