Yours, &c., &c.,
W. E. Gladstone.
A few graceful words to the same effect were also received by Panizzi from Sir W. Temple:—“Should the aid of friends be necessary, I hope you will reckon me among the number.”
The following letter, with which the present chapter concludes, distinctly proves of what stuff Settembrini was composed, and the same commendation may, without presumption, be extended to his companions:—
“Santo Stefano, December 3rd, 1855.
“To think that you and your generous friends should have spent so much time and money, and should have undertaken a long journey all in vain, grieves me beyond measure, for I can imagine all you must have done and hoped to achieve, and how disappointed you must have been at the unfortunate results. Do not, however, think of me; I am inured to suffering, and am not worth so much trouble. I grieve on your account, the more as my own ill-luck seems to pursue those who interest themselves on my behalf. Should you be forced to give this matter up, do not let it vex or trouble you.... Do not distress yourself about me and my companions; we have lost but one hope more, and we have lost so many already, the greater loss is his who has laboured and spent, and done so much in vain. If the matter is still delayed, and if, nevertheless, you and your friends are still willing to conduct it to an issue, you will be guided by your generous and noble hearts rather than by our merits. In such case give me timely advice, in order that I may inform you if it is still possible for us to do anything to second your efforts, and also whether any unforeseen obstacle may not render it necessary to change the original plan....”
CHAPTER XXI
Bianchini’s Appointment; Settembrini Fund; Convention with Argentine Republic; Correspondence; Orsini; Napoleon III.