n your enclosure.... I have ventured, without asking your
leave, on keeping a copy of a part. Only in one proposition do I
differ from you. I would rather see Ireland disunited than see it
Parnellite.

I think that as the atmosphere is quiet for the moment we had
better give ourselves the benefit of a little further time for
reflection. Personally, I am hard hit. My course of life was
daring enough as matters stood six weeks ago. How it will shape in
the new situation I cannot tell. But this is the selfish part.
Turning for a moment to the larger outlook, I am extremely
indisposed to any harking back in the matter of home rule; we are
now, I think, freed from the enormous danger of seeing P. master
in Ireland; division and its consequences in diminishing force,
are the worst we have to fear. What my mind leans to in a way
still vague is to rally ourselves by some affirmative legislation
taken up by and on behalf of the party. Something of this kind
would be the best source to look to for reparative strength.

_To Lord Acton._

_Jan. 9, 1891._--To a greybeard in a hard winter the very name of
the south is musical, and the kind letters from you and Lord
Hampden make it harmony as well as melody. But I have been and am
chained to the spot by this Parnell business, and every day have
to consider in one shape or other what ought to be said by myself
or others.... I consider the Parnell chapter of politics finally
closed for us, the British liberals, at least during my time. He
has been even worse since the divorce court than he was in it. The
most astounding revelation of my lifetime.

-------------------------------------

_To J. Morley._

_Hawarden, Dec. 30, 1890._--I must not longer delay thanking you
for your most kind and much valued letter on my birthday--a
birthday more formidable than usual, on account of the recent
disasters, which, however, may all come to good. If I am able to
effect in the world anything useful, be assured I know how much of
it is owed to the counsel and consort of my friends.

It is not indeed the common lot of man to make serious additions
to the friendships which so greatly help us in this pilgrimage,
after seventy-six years old; but I rejoice to think that in your
case it has been accomplished for me.

VIII

A f