|
<, his hope that the whole country would soon feel as that
audience did towards a man whose long life had been spent in the
country's service, brought a fresh burst, waving of hats and
handkerchiefs, etc. Went to bed grateful and happy.
[49] Afterwards Bishop of Durham.
In 1855, Lord John bought a country estate, Rodborough Manor, near Stroud
in Gloucestershire, as he wished to have a place of his own to leave to his
children. It was in the parish of Amberley, from which he afterwards took
his second title and his eldest son, Lord Amberley, made Rodborough his
home for some years after his marriage.
_Lady John Russell to Lord Dufferin_
RODBOROUGH MANOR, STROUD, _November_ 16, 1855
DEAR LORD DUFFERIN,--Thanks for your letter. I began to think you
meant to disclaim all connection with your fallen chief. We have
just been, he and I alone, spending a week in London. In that
little week he underwent various turns of fortune--hissed one night
(though far less than the papers said), cheered the next day by
four thousand voices, while eight thousand hands waved hats and
handkerchiefs. I was not at Guildhall, but was at Exeter Hall,
which was just as it should be; for, in spite of a great many noble
and philosophical sentiments, which I always keep in store against
the hissing days, and find of infinite service, I prefer being
present on the cheering days. I hope you will think his lecture
deserved its reception. His squiredom agrees with him uncommonly.
He rides and walks, and drinks ale and grows fat. As for me, I have
not been at all strong since I came here, but I hope I am reviving
now, and shall soon be able thoroughly to enjoy a life happy and
pleasant beyond expression--such peace of mind and body to us both,
such leisure to enjoy much that we both do enjoy with all our
hearts and have been long debarred from, are ]]>
|