ngs of the resignation far outweigh its pains. I do
not care for the charge of fickleness which may with justice be
made against me. I can only confirm it. The defeat made me very
sad. I hoped for many days that John could honourably remain in
office.... On the day of the resignation he was serious--perhaps
sad--and so was I. The next day everything, including his face,
looked brighter, and has gone on brightening; so that now I am only
afraid of being too much uplifted by our downfall, and hardly have
words enough to describe my relief and joy. All the best men are
full of approbation of his conduct. He and Mr. Gladstone have given
an example to the country worth more than a Reform Bill. A short
Tory reign will strengthen the Whig party; a good strong Whig
Opposition will prevent much Tory mischief, so that there is little
regret on public grounds to mix with my unbounded joy on our
private account. Seven years of office had made me aware of its
advantages and its interest, and I saw that John liked it, and I
thought I did; but now I see that he has had enough of it, and any
fear I may have had that he might regret it is for ever gone, and I
have found out how entirely it was an acquired taste with me. I
can't say how often we have already said to one another, "Now that
we are out," as a preface to something pleasant to be done. He said
to me this morning, "The days will not be long enough now." That
"now" would surprise those people who may imagine that time will
hang heavy on his hands. He is in excellent spirits.... We feel as
if fetters had been struck off our minds and bodies. If God grants
us health, how happy we may be, dearest Mary! I have said far too
much on this subject, but you will understand how I have reason to
be both sadder and gladder than other Ministers' wives.

Prussia and Italy had declared war against Austria, Hanover, Bavaria, and
Hesse on the day the Russell Government was defeated. At Custozza the
Italians were badly beaten by the Austrians, under the Archduke Charles.

Alas, alas! for poor Italy! Alas for everybody engaged in this most
wicked and terrible German war! Surely it is all wrong that two or
three bad, ambitious--men should be able to cause the death and
misery of thousands upon thousands. Our day at Harrow, Agatha with
us, was very happy. I never had heard