He then talked of his birthday being in July.  I told him it was in August, but our wedding-day was in July, and it would be thirty-seven years next July since we were married.  He said, “Oh, I’m so glad we’ve passed it so happily together.”  I said I had not always been so good to him as I ought to have been.  “Oh yes, you have, very good indeed.”  At another moment he said, “I’m quite ready to go now.”  Asked him where to?  “To my grave, to my death.”  He also said, “Do you see me sometimes placing my hands in this way?” (he was clasping them together).  “That always means devotion—­that I am asking God to be good to me.”  His voice was much broken by tears as he said these things.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, April 20, 1878

Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone to tea.  Both most cordial and kind.  Mr. Gladstone in his most agreeable mood.  Eastern Question only slightly touched.  Other subjects:  increase of drunkenness; Northumberland election, which has raised his spirits, whether Albert Grey be returned or not; Life of Prince Albert, whom he admires heartily, but who according to him (and John) did not understand the British Constitution.  Called Stockmar a “mischievous old prig.”  Said “Liberty is never safe,” that even in this country an unworthy sovereign might endanger her even now.  John sent down to say he wished to see them.  I took them to him for a few minutes—­happily he was clear in his mind—­and said to Mr. Gladstone, “I’m sorry you are not in the Ministry,” and kissed her affectionately, and was so cordial to both that they were greatly touched.

    PEMBROKE LODGE, May 9, 1878

Great day.  Nonconformist deputation presented address to John on the fiftieth anniversary of Repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts.  Alas! that he could not see them.  All cordial and friendly, and some with strikingly good countenances.  Edmond Fitzmaurice happened to call, stayed, and spoke admirably.  Lord Spencer also called just before they came to congratulate him, but I stupidly did not think of asking him to stay.  Those of the deputation who spoke did so extremely well.  It was a proud and a sad day.  We had hoped some time ago that he might perhaps see the deputation for a moment in his room, but he was too ill for that to be possible.

Lord Russell died on May 28, 1878, at Pembroke Lodge.

    Queen Victoria to Lady Russell

    BALMORAL, May 30, 1878

DEAR LADY RUSSELL,—­It was only yesterday afternoon I learnt through the papers that your dear husband had left this world of sorrows and trials peacefully, and full of years, the night before, or I would have telegraphed or written sooner!  You will believe that I truly regret an old friend of forty years’ standing, and whose personal kindness in trying and anxious times I shall ever remember.  “Lord John,” as I knew him best, was one of my first and most distinguished Ministers,