_Mrs. Disraeli to Lady de Rothschild_ “GROSVENOR GATE, _5th July_ [1845]. “One line, my dear Lady de Rothschild, to congratulate you and to express my happiness at the glorious result of Thursday’s debate.[38] I am always wishing that you were here that we might talk it all over. Have I not for some time past assured you of all this? “Yesterday we dined with the family circle[39] in Piccadilly. Such a happy party. I hear you have been to a gay Ball and that you are quite well. But your leave of absence must soon now be over, I hope. I have all sorts of things to tell you and only you. Parliament will be up the end of this month. The Thames does not appear to have injured Dizzy or any of the Members--they look remarkably well.[40] “You will see much about Lady B. Lytton. Sir Edward told D. he had just missed a bad house. The abuse of him, we are told, is dreadful. “Yesterday we went to Holland House--some new rooms and furnished beautifully. Numbers of people, but poor Lady Holland appeared very unwell. I cannot think how she can bear so much company.” “GROSVENOR GATE, _15th January 1847_. “On our return to Town last week our first visit was to you, and we were sadly disappointed to find you were not expected for some time. I hope it is pleasure that detains you, and that you are quite recovered from your late severe attack. “Sir Anthony[41] took us all by surprise; no one ever expected to have seen his name in the _Gazette_. We drank your healths with the most affectionate pleasure, wishing every happiness to thee and thine, My Lady dear. “We remained four months at Bradenham enjoying the most perfect seclusion and our usual long walks with four or five beautiful dogs. “The first proofs of _Tancred_ are now on the table. How much I wish you may be here when he is presented to the public, for I am sure you will sympathise with me on my child’s fate. What an anxious, happy time for poor me the next six months’ situation, and politics always for and against. “Ask the Baroness James de Rothschild[42] to think of me, and kindly, now and then. Is she not the most perfect of women kind? “How did the fire happen?[43] Do you not observe all the country houses are burnt down when the families are from home? I hope none of the beautiful china, etc., was there. My best love to your mother. I know she cares for thy precious self more than all the houses in the world, and you are now got quite well, and happy with the best husband in the world--except one--Dizzy, who is again to dine at New Court[44] with his best friend--to-morrow at Lord Stanhope’s--the Protectionists ‘feed well,’ said Mr. Horace Twiss at Mr. Quintin Dick’s. Another dinner on Thursday--last.