The Marquis de Ruvigny, head of an old family in Picardy, had long been the leader of the Protestant cause in France; in fact, he was almost the minister plenipotentiary of the Huguenots at the Court of Louis XIV.  As “Deputy-General of the Reformed Church,” he well served the interests of that body, both in getting a patient hearing of their grievances, and obtaining knowledge of the designs of their enemies.  He possessed the personal favour and the support of Cardinal Mazarin, and the king himself put confidence in Ruvigny.  He was several times employed in services of a confidential kind to the English Government, but was given to understand that any military position or further advancement must be purchased by a change of his religion.  To this he never could consent, being a man of sincere and enlightened piety, as well noted for his ability, courage, and conduct.  On the recall of Colbert in 1674, he was minister plenipotentiary in England, and remained so for two or three years, when a more pliable tool was found in a M. Courtin.  He still retained the good opinion of the French king and his advisers, for on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes he had permission to emigrate to England with his family, a permission granted to no other Protestant noble.  His estates, however, were confiscated, as were those of all the emigres.  It was the sister of this Marquis, Rachel de Ruvigny, who became the wife of Lord Southampton.  For the family of the Ruvignys Lady Russell always retained a warm affection.

IV.

During the fourteen years of her happy married life with William Russell, she was seldom parted from her husband.  Their only moments of separation were during his visits of duty to his father at Woburn, and short absences on private or political business.  The longest absence was when Lord Russell attended a meeting of parliament summoned by the king at Oxford.  Her letters during this period are such as would be written by a loving wife and a tender mother—­happy, cheerful messages of personal or domestic interest; yet even in these familiar epistles displaying a character of good sense and deep piety as well as womanly affection.  “They are the most touching love-letters I have ever read,” says the editor of the published selection from her correspondence.  Two or three short bits out of many letters will suffice to show the spirit in which she then wrote.  August 24, 1680.  “Absent or present, my dearest life is equally obliging, and ever the earthly delight of my soul.  It is my great care (or ought to be so) so to moderate my sense of happiness here, that when the appointed time comes of my leaving it, or its leaving me, I may not be unwilling to forsake the one, or be in some measure prepared and fit to bear the trial of the other.  This very hot weather does incommode me, but otherwise I am very well, and both your girls.  Your letter was cherished as it deserved, and so, I make no doubt, was hers, which