my eyes to the fallacy of that best, and the conversations I hear, have opened my eyes to the bad principle at the very root of a State Church.  If all who call themselves teachers of religion could be paid, it might be very well, best of all perhaps; but I’m afraid there are difficulties not to be got over, and the objections to the voluntary system diminish on reflection....  This new political crisis raises John’s hopes a little; but he has small faith in the public spirit of the Liberal party, and even now fears some manoeuvre to keep Dizzy in.

    Ever, dearest Mary, your most affectionate sister,

    F. RUSSELL

[70] Mr. Froude, in a talk with an Irish peasant on the grievances of his country, remarked that one cause of complaint was removed by Disestablishment of the Church.  “Och, sure, your honour, that is worse than all.  It was the best gravance we had, and ye’ve taken it away from us!”

    Lady Russell to Lady Dunfermline

    PEMBROKE LODGE, December 3, 1868

MY DEAREST MARY,—­Yesterday’s Pall Mall and Sir David Dundas, who dined with us, set us all agog with the news that the Ministry are to resign at once, probably have now resigned; certainly much the wisest course for themselves, and John rather thinks the best for everybody....  How different this change of Ministry is to us from any there has been before since we were married, and for John since long before!  There is now only a keen and wholesome interest for the country’s sake—­none of the countless agitations which at all events on the formation of the three last Ministries, of which John was either the head or a prominent member, more than overpowered satisfaction and pride, perhaps not to himself, but to his wife in her secret heart.  As to pride, I never was prouder of him in one position than in another, in than out, applauded than condemned; and I had learned to know the risks, not to health only or chiefly, for that, precious as it was, seemed a trifle in comparison with other things, but to the power of serving his country, to friendship, to reputation in the highest sense, which are involved in the formation of a Government.  These are matters of experience, and in 1846 I was inexperienced and consequently foresaw only good to the country and increase of fame to him from his acceptance of the Prime Ministership.  I now know that these seldom or never in such a state of parties as has existed for many years and still exists, can be the only consequences of high office for him, although, thank God, they have always been among the consequences, and my only reasonable and permanent regret (for I don’t pretend to the absence of passing and unreasonable regrets) is for the cause of office being over for him.  What a letter full of John, and just when I ought to be talking of everybody else except John; but you will guess that if he were not perfectly cheerful—­and