They two kept up the character of England as the sturdy guardian of her own rights against other nations and the champion of freedom and independence abroad.  They did so both before and after the breach of 1851, which was happily closed in the following year, when they were once more colleagues in office.  On matters of home policy Lord Palmerston remained the Tory he had been in his earlier days, and this was the cause of many a trial to John.  Indeed, it was a misfortune to him throughout his public career that his colleagues almost to a man hung back when he would have gone forward; and many a time he came home dispirited from a Cabinet at which he had been alone—­or with only the support of my father, who always stood stoutly by him while he remained Cabinet Minister—­in the wish to bring before Parliament measures worthy of the Whig banner of Civil and Religious Liberty, Progress and Reform.  Nothing could exceed John’s patience under the criticisms of his colleagues, who were, most of them, also his friends, some of them very dear friends—­nothing could exceed his readiness to admit and listen to difference of opinion from them; but it was trying to find the difference always in one direction, and that a direction hardly consistent with the character of a Whig Ministry.

The spirit which pervaded the foreign policy of Lord John Russell is shown in a letter from him to Queen Victoria dated December 29, 1851 [38]: 

The grand rule of doing to others as we wish that they should do unto us is more applicable than any system of political science.  The honour of England does not consist in defending every English officer or English subject, right or wrong, but in taking care that she does not infringe the rules of justice, and that they are not infringed against her.

[38] “Letters of Queen Victoria,” vol. ii, chap. xx.

Lord and Lady John often regretted that the duties of political life prevented them from having fuller intercourse with literary friends.  There are short entries in her diaries mentioning the visits of distinguished men and women, but she seldom had time to write more than a few words.  Her diaries—­like her letters—­were written with marvellous rapidity, and were, of course, meant for herself alone.  In March, 1852, she writes:  “Thackeray came to read his ‘Sterne’ and ‘Goldsmith’ to us—­very interesting quiet evening.”  And a little later at Pembroke Lodge:  “Dickens came to luncheon and stayed to dinner.  He was very agreeable—­and more than agreeable—­made us feel how much he is to be liked.”  Rogers they also saw occasionally, and the letter which follows is a reply to an invitation to Pembroke Lodge.  The second letter refers to a volume of poems in manuscript, written by Lady John and illustrated by Lord John’s stepdaughter, Mrs. Drummond.  He had lent it to Rogers.

MY DEAR LADY JOHN,—­Yes! yes! yes!  A thousand thanks to you both!  I need not say how delighted I shall be to avail myself of your kindness.  I would rather share a crust with you and Lord John in your Paradise then sup in the Apollo with Lucullus himself—­yes—­though Cicero and Pompey were to be of the party.

    Yours most sincerely,