be felt, even more than the sin itself, by the English people.  Pray forgive me, dear Mr. McCarthy, for writing on this sad topic; but I have got into the habit of writing and speaking freely to you, even when it can, as now, do no earthly good to anybody.

There is one consolation in the thought that should he retire Ireland is not wanting in the best and highest to succeed him.  Pray do not write if you prefer not, though I long to hear from you, or still better see you.

    Yours most sincerely,

    F. RUSSELL

[113] Written after the Parnell O’Shea divorce case.

    Lady Russell to Mr. Justin McCarthy

    PEMBROKE LODGE, November 22, 1890

DEAR MR. MCCARTHY,—­I cannot rest without telling you how very sorry I shall be if my letter gave you one moment’s pain.  I knew how close and true a friend you were of Mr. Parnell, and how unchanging your friendship would be; but I did not know which course that unchanging friendship would lead you to take.  Not a doubt can ever cross our minds of the patriotism which has dictated your action and that of your Irish colleagues.  Do not allow any doubt to cross yours or theirs, that it is the intensity of love for the great cause which led many in England to wish for a different decision.  Nothing would be more terrible, more fatal, than any coldness between the friends of Ireland on the two sides of the Channel.  May God avert such a misfortune, and whatever happens, believe me always most sincerely yours,

    F. RUSSELL

    Mr. Justin McCarthy to Lady Russell

    November 24, 1890

DEAR LADY RUSSELL,—­I ought to have answered your kind letter before, for I value your sympathy more—­much more—­than I can tell you in words.  I am afraid the prospect is dark for the present.  Mr. Gladstone sent for me to-day and I had some talk with him.  He was full of generous consideration and kindness, but he thinks there will be a catastrophe for the cause if Parnell does not retire.  The Irish members cannot and would not throw over Parnell, but he may even yet decide upon retiring.  All depends on to-morrow, and we have not seen him.  I have the utmost faith in his singleness of public purpose and his judgment and policy, but it is a terrible crisis.

    With kindest regards, very truly yours,

    JUSTIN MCCARTHY

    Lady Russell to Mrs. Warburton

    PEMBROKE LODGE, November 23, 1890

MY DEAREST ISABEL,—...  Yes, dearie, it was a delightful visit, leaving delightful memories of all kinds; chats gay and grave trots long and short, drives, duets—­will they ever come again?  I am very glad this heart-breaking Irish thunderclap did not fall while you were here.  It makes us so unhappy.  Poor Ireland! her hopes are always dashed when