The Prime Ministers of England in the nine teenth and twentieth centuries have, with the ex ception of Lord Melbourne, - and his wife died before he became Prime Minister, - been fortunate in their wives. They married women who, often beautiful, and always intelligent, devoted them selves to furthering both the political interests and the domestic happiness of their husbands. Their influence on public affairs varied in degree and kind, for their rfile was passive rather than active, and personality was their main asset. Now personality is an elusive thing and can never be absolutely reconstructed. Living witnesses can help us somewhat to form a mental picture that now and then gets near the truth; but to paint a portrait without the aid of such evidence.

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