Page:Wives of the prime ministers, 1844-1906.djvu/287

LADY CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN had inherited. She entered with zest into every detail of the functions of a châtelaine, super-intending the garden and orchard with great thoroughness. She spent great care and pains over the decoration, which was in the French manner, the doors being copied from the palace at Versailles. Her London table was always provided with flowers from Belmont, and even her London laundry done there. For London itself she had no affection, and for Downing Street an active dislike. After her death it was found that before going to Marienbad she had cleared Downing Street of all her personal belongings and sent them to Scotland.

It has been said, "Happy the woman that has no history." It was never more than a half-truth, and in the face of a career like Lady Campbell-Bannerman's it has an ironic sound. But for her long illness it can hardly be doubted that she would have used her very remarkable gifts in a way that would have left her personal impress on her generation. Hampered and exhausted by suffering, she was yet able to affect passing events by reason of the immense influence she exercised on her husband, who took no action without consulting her. It may 247