to pay the duty she deserved. Above all, it is consoling to know that
she who so long outlived her only child was blessed with the
unremitting and tender care of her grand-daughter. She died on the
16th of May, 1860.

'The portrait of Lady Byron as she was at the time of her marriage is
probably remembered by some of my readers. It is very engaging. Her
countenance afterwards became much worn; but its expression of
thoughtfulness and composure was very interesting. Her handwriting
accorded well with the character of her mind. It was clear, elegant,
and womanly. Her manners differed with circumstances. Her shrinking
sensitiveness might embarrass one visitor; while another would be
charmed with her easy, significant, and vivacious conversation. It
depended much on whom she talked with. The abiding certainty was,
that she had strength for the hardest of human trials, and the
composure which belongs to strength. For the rest, it is enough to
point to her deeds, and to the mourning of her friends round the chasm
which her departure has made in their life, and in the society in
which it is spent. All that could be done in the way of personal love
and honour was done while she lived: it only remains now to see that
her name and fame are permitted to shine forth at last in their proper
light.'

We have simply to ask the reader whether a life like this was not the
best, the noblest answer that a woman could make to a doubting world.



CHAPTER V. THE ATTACK ON LADY BYRON'S GRAVE.