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 blow has fallen upon you, who were already so sorely tried!  Most deep and sincere is my sympathy with you and Lord Russell, and I cannot say how I feel for you.  It is so terrible to see one’s children go before one!  You will be a mother to the orphans and the fatherless, as I know how kind and loving you were always to them.

    Trusting that your health will not suffer, and asking you to
    remember me to Agatha, who will be a great comfort to you, as she
    has ever been, believe me always,