Russell_

_January_ 14, 1876

I am grieved to hear of the death of Lord Amberley; I read it by
accident in the newspaper of yesterday. I fear it must be a
terrible blow both to you and Lord Russell.

I will not intrude upon your sorrow, but I would like to tell you
what I thought of him. He was one of the best men I ever knew--most
truthful and disinterested. He was not of the world, and therefore
not likely to be popular with the world. He had chosen a path which
was very difficult, and could hardly have been carried out in
practical politics. I think that latterly he saw this and was
content to live seeking after the truth in the companionship of his
wife, whose memory I shall always cherish. Some persons may grieve
over them because they had not the ordinary hopes and consolations
of religion. This does not add to my sorrow for them except in so
far as it deprived them of sympathy and happiness while they were
living. It must inevitably happen in these times, when everything
is made the subject of inquiry with many good persons. God does not
regard men with reference to their opinion about Himself or about a
future world, but with reference to what they really are. In
holding fast to truth and righteousness they held the greater part
of what we mean by belief in God. No person's religious opinions
affect the truth either about themselves or others. One who said to
me what I have said to you about your son's remarkable goodness
(while condemning his opinions) was Lady Augusta Stanley,[94] who
herself, I fear, has not long to live.

[93] Frank (afterwards Earl Russell), who was then ten years old,
and Bertrand, three years old.

[94] Wife of Dean Stanley.

_Dean Stanley (Dean of Westminster) to Lady Russell_

DEAR LADY RUSSELL,--Will you allow one broken heart to say a word
of sympathy to another?--the life of my life is ebbing away--the
hope of your life is gone. She, I trust, will find in the fountain
of all Love the love in which she has trusted on earth. He, I
trust, will find in the fountain of all Light the truth after which
he sought on earth. May God help us both in His love.

Ever yours most truly,

A.P. STANLEY

_Queen Victoria to Lady Russell_

OSBORNE, _January_ 11, 1876

DEAR LADY RUSSELL,--My heart bleeds for you. A new and very heavy
b