d
Melbourne succeeded him as Prime Minister. Lord Minto had not long returned
to England when the King summarily dismissed Lord Melbourne and a
provisional Government under the Duke of Wellington was patched together
until Sir Robert Peel should return from abroad. The governorship of Canada
had been offered meanwhile to Lord Minto, and the family started on their
home journey fearing they would have to leave England immediately for
Quebec. But this did not happen, and December found them at last once more
on the road to Minto. The girls wrote poems celebrating their return on the
journey, and tried every cure for impatience as the carriage rolled along.

MINTO, Thursday, December 25, 1834

We left Carlisle about eight, and for the three first stages were
so slowly driven that our patience was nearly gone. To make it last
a little longer Mary read some "Hamlet" aloud between Longtown and
Langholme, and I had a nap.... As soon as we entered Hawick we were
surrounded by an immense crowd.... The bells rang, there were flags
hung all along the street, and fine shouting as we set off. Papa,
which we did not know at the time, had to make a little speech, and
contradict a shameful report of his having taken office. A few
minutes on this side of Hawick we met the two boys and Robert
riding to meet us, looking lovely. Our own country looked really
beautiful; rocks, hills, and Rubers Law all seemed to have grown
higher. We passed the awful ford in safety across our own lovely
Teviot, and soon found ourselves at Nelly's Lodge, where old Nelly
opened the gate to us.... The trees looked large and fine--in
short, everything perfect. Catherine, Mrs. Fraser, and Wales
received us at the door, and in a few minutes we were scattered all
over the house. We spent a most happy evening.... This has really
been a happy Christmas. It is wonderful to be here.

At this point Lady Fanny's early girlhood may be said to end. Her life in
London society and the events which led to her marriage will be told in the
next chapter.

CHAPTER II

1835-41

While the Minto family were still on their way home from Germany a
startling incident occurred in English politics. One morning a paragraph
appeared in the Times announcing the fact that the King had dismissed Lord
Melbourne.

We have no authority (it ran) for the important statement which follows,
but we have every