news of the
coming surrender of Paris. Alas for all the wasted lives--wasted,
_I_ think, on both sides, for I cannot perceive that it was on
either side one of those great and holy causes in which the blood
shed by one generation bears fruit for the next. The _Times_
was too quick in drawing conclusions from Jules Favre being at
Versailles, but there can be little doubt that terms are under
consideration, and I hope the Germans will show that they are not
so spoiled by success as to be ungenerous in their demands. As to
Alsace and Lorraine, I fear that it is a settled point with them.
If so, they ought to be all the more ready to grant terms
honourable in other respects. Do you see that a brave man in the
Berlin Parliament raised his voice against annexation of French
provinces, on the discussion of address to the new Emperor on his
new dignity? ... What wonderfully interesting lectures Tyndall is
giving.

LONDON, _July_ 12, 1871

We lunched yesterday, all three, with Bernstorffs, [82] to meet
Crown Prince and Princess--best of Princes and Princesses. It was
interesting and agreeable. John and I had the luck to sit beside
her and him. I was delighted to hear him say, "I hate war," with an
emphasis better than words.

[82] Count Bernstorff was German Ambassador in London.

_Lady Russell to Lady Dunfermline_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 27, 1871

... I suppose Agatha told you of the Emperor of Brazil's visit to
us at 7 a.m.--it was amusing to get up at six to receive an
Emperor, impossible to put on much ceremony with one's garments at
that unceremonious hour, and fortunately unnecessary, for His
Majesty was chatty and easy. He took a turn along West walk,
admired the view, had a cup of chocolate, thanked us for our
courtesy, and was off again before eight with his sallow-faced,
grimy gentleman in waiting, who looked as if the little sleep he
ever had was with his clothes on. We tried to see another Emperor
[83] on Tuesday, having at last made out our journey to
Chislehurst. Unluckily he and his son had gone to town, but we
found the Empress. How unlike the splendid, bejewelled,
pomp-and-gloryfied Empress of the Tuileries: her dress careless and
common, her face little, if at all, painted, and thereby to my eye
improved--but so altered. She seemed, however, in good