Page:Wives of the prime ministers, 1844-1906.djvu/274

WIVES OF THE PRIME MINISTERS the elasticity of feeling which enabled them to survive the disappointment."

Mr. Campbell, as he then was, made the speech from which these remarks are quoted in 1868. As a summary of his wife's character they remained applicable all her life, except perhaps when the "buoyancy of spirits" flagged owing to her long and painful illness. The "keen politician" and "keen partisan" she remained to the end.

Sarah, Lady Campbell-Bannerman, was born Sarah Charlotte Bruce, daughter of Sir Charles Bruce, a well-known officer in his day. Throughout her life her attitude of mind partook of an almost military staunchness and simplicity. For her no trumpet gave forth an uncertain sound. It was either a command from allies or a challenge from the enemy. She was married in 1860, and at the time it was said, I do not know with what truth, that of the two the young bride was the more extreme in her political views. One of the first people to appreciate her qualities of mind and character was her father-in-law. He was diametrically opposed to her in politics, but he showed his appreciation of her qualities in a very practical manner, by a substantial increase in the provision he made for 234