s. L_.: "Oh, but Robert, you
had your brains!" _Mr. L. (sharply)_: "I'm sure I didn't endow
you with _them_." Very funny; but very cruel, too, in answer
to what was meant so affectionately.... Now, I must get ready to
walk with your Papa. He keeps well and strong, in spite of the
cloudy political atmosphere (hazy, perhaps, rather than
cloudy)--nobody thinking or feeling anything clearly or warmly,
except him and Gladstone and a score or two of others. He feels
that the Government has so discredited itself and the Tory party
generally, that the Whig party might be in a capital position if it
chose. But the general indifference of Whig M.P.'s to Reform, and
their selfish fear of dissolution, come in the way of public spirit
and combined action.

Your Papa is writing to Mr. Gladstone, from whom he has just
received an account of the debate. Disraeli's clever and artful
speech appears to have had more effect on the House (and even on
our side of it) than is creditable.... Johnny has made a very good
impression--so we hear from Mr. Brand, Hastings, [66] Mr.
Huguesson, and Gladstone--by his maiden speech. All these, except
Gladstone, heard it, and concur in warm praise, both of matter and
manner. It is a great event in his life, and I am so thankful it is
well over.

[66] Afterwards Duke of Bedford.

_Lord Russell to Lady Minto_

LONDON, _May 21_, 1867

MY DEAR NINA,--As you have been so much bothered with the compound
householder, you will be glad to learn that he is dead and is to be
buried on Thursday. It was supposed he was the last and best
product of civilization; but it has been found out that he was a
son of Old Nick, and a valiant knight of the name of Hodgkinson has
run him through the body.

The Duke of Buccleuch, with whom Fanny and I have been having
luncheon, says that Dizzy is like a clever conjuror. "Is that the
card you wished for, sir?-and is that yours, and yours, and yours?"
But politics are rather disgusting than otherwise. ... Fanny and I
went yesterday to see the Queen lay the first stone of the Hall of
Science and Art. [67] It was a grand sight--great respect, but no
enthusiasm, nor occasion for it.

Lotty is going to give us dinner to-morrow. I call her and Mary,
L'Allegra e la Penserosa. _Fanny_: "And what am I?" "L'Allegra
e Penserosa