...  We have had Rollo’s old Oxford friend, Dr. Drewitt, here for two nights—­the very cheerfulest of guests.  He is head of the Victoria Hospital for Children, and what with keen interest in his profession, and intense love of nature, animate and inanimate, I don’t think he would know how to be bored.  Hard-worked men have far the best of it here below, although we are accustomed to look upon “men of leisure” as those to be envied; but how seldom one finds a man or woman, who lives a life in earnest, and who has eyes to see and observe, taking a gloomy view of human nature and its destinies.  I wonder what you have been reading?  I have taken up lately that delightful book, Lockhart’s “Life of Sir Walter Scott,” and dipping into many besides....  Some of our pleasantest neighbours have paid us good-bye visits; Frederic Harrisons, and the charming and wonderful old Miss Swanwick [110]....

[110] Miss Anna Swanwick.

    Lady Russell to Lady Charlotte Portal

    PEMBROKE LODGE, March 13, 1889

How could you, could you, could you think that my mental vow not to write on the all-absorbing political catastrophe was because I sing “God save, Ireland” in one sense, and you in another!  The vow was made because if once the flood-gates of my eloquence are let loose on that subject, there is a danger that the stream will Tennysonially “go on for ever.”  It is, however, a vow made to be broken from time to time, when I allow a little ripple to flow a little way and make a little noise, and then return to the usual attitude towards non-sympathizers; and, like David, keep silence and refrain even from good words, though it is pain and grief to me, and my heart is hot within me.  I am speaking of the mere acquaintance non-sympathizers, or those known to be too bitter to bear difference of opinion; but don’t be afraid, or do be afraid, as you may put it, and be prepared for total removal of the flood-gates when you come.  Don’t you often feel yourself in David’s trying condition, knowing that your words would be very good, yet had better not be spoken?  I don’t like it at all.

    Lady Russell to Lady Charlotte Portal

    DUNROZEL, September 4, 1889

DEAREST LOTTY,—­It was nice to hear from you from Minto.  What a strange sensation it always gives me to write or to hear that word of Minto. [111] I am sure you know it too—­impossible to define, but like something beautiful and holy, not belonging to this world.  I like to hope that such memories have been stored up by the younger spirits who have succeeded us, while “children not hers have trod our nursery floor.”  But in this restless, fly-about age can they ever be quite the same? ...  I see that luckily I have no room to go on about lovely, lovable, sorrowful Ireland.  Alas! that England has ever had anything to do with her; but better times are coming, and she will be understood by her conquerors at last, and be the better for them.  Hush!  Fanny, no more; even that is too much.  God bless thee.

    Ever thine,