Page:Wives of the prime ministers, 1844-1906.djvu/51

LADY CAROLINE LAMB sea, without compass to guide or even a knowledge whither I am destined. Now, this is probably the case of millions, but that does not mend the matter, and whilst a fly exists, it seeks to save itself. Therefore excuse me if I try to do the same."

In these letters we have Lady Caroline almost at her best. In another of them there is pertinent criticism of Godwin's books. She tells him, "There is a brevity which suits my want of attention, a depth of thought which catches at once, and does not puzzle my understanding, a simplicity and kindness which captivates and arouses every good feeling, and a clearness which assists those who are deficient, as I am, in memory."

But unhappily the unstable and eccentric side of Lady Caroline held its own, and overshadowed her more sober and serious moods. The news of Byron's death was brought to her at Brocket and introduced with the remark, "Caroline, behave properly. I know it will shock you. Lord Byron is dead." A fever ensued, and the first day she was well enough to drive out in an open carriage she met a 25