e relief when we found that not one man had the
slightest difficulty in making up his mind, ... and that one and
all felt it a paramount duty "not to shrink from the toils and
responsibilities of office." ... His _spirits_ have not sunk
and his _spirit_ has risen, and the feeling uppermost in his
mind is thankfulness that he is out of it all, and has regained his
freedom, body and soul.... There is plenty left for him to do, and
I trust he will do it as an independent member of Parliament, and
in that position regain his lost influence with the country. I am
most anxious he should not think his political life at an end,
though his official life may go forever without a sigh.... I ought
to add that he is on perfectly friendly terms with all his late
colleagues, ... anxious to help them when he can, but pledged to
nothing....

Ever, dearest Papa,

Your affectionate child,

F.R.

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 23, 1855

Thunderstorm during which I sat in the Windsor summer-house writing
and thinking many sad thoughts; chiefly of my own ill-performance
of many duties on which my whole heart and soul were bent. Had I
but known when we married as much of the world as I know now,
though I should have been far, far less happy, I should have done
better in many ways.... Came in; went to my room with Georgy and
took Baby on my lap. Baby looked at me, saw I had been sad, and
said gravely, "Poor Mama," adding immediately, "Where is Papa?" as
if she thought my sadness must have to do with him. On my
answering, "He is gone to London," she put her dear little arms
round my neck and kissed and coaxed me, repeating over and over,
"Never mind, never mind, my dear Mama," and again, "Never mind, my
poor Mama."

The state of Lady John's health prevented her from leaving home, but Lord
John left Pembroke Lodge with two of the children on August 9th, for a much
needed holiday in Scotland.

_Lord John to Lady John Russell_

EDINBURGH, _August_ 10, 1855

We got here safely yesterday an hour after time, which made about
fourteen hours from Pembroke Lodge.... Dearest, it is a very
melancholy journey; without you to comfort me I take a very gloomy
view of everything; but I hope the Highland air will refresh me
with its briskness.... I have a letter from Lord Minto, disturbed
at my not coming