September 10th.—Sir Charles Locock met Dr Hodgkin at Park Lane in conference, and passed more than half-an-hour with Lady Montefiore and Sir Moses. The result was, that Sir Charles found Lady Montefiore better than when he last saw her, and more able to bear the fatigue of their proposed journey, and felt no hesitation in giving his opinion in favour of their going to Mentone. Dr Hodgkin was content not to oppose Sir Charles Locock's opinion, but did so, Sir Moses says, evidently under restraint.
September 16th.—Lady Montefiore accompanied Sir Moses in their brougham to make several calls, he took her to see the new carpets for East Cliff, and went to Ludgate Hill to select a new silk dress for her.
September 17th.—She had a better night, the entry in the Diary states, and in the course of the afternoon took a drive with Sir Moses round the Exhibition.
September 19th.—Lady Montefiore had an undisturbed night, and Sir Moses left Park Lane at half past nine, attended various meetings in the city, and about half-past one he returned with the intention of going with Lady Montefiore to see the National Exhibition. But unfortunately he found her very unwell, and still in bed. The carriage had been ordered to convey them to see the Exhibition, but Sir Moses went instead to Dr Hodgkin, requesting him to call at once. Dr Hodgkin found Lady Montefiore seriously ill, and the next day told Sir Moses he was very uneasy, and would like to have a consultation with Sir Charles Locock, who, unfortunately, had gone to Brighton and could not come. The next day her state was more favourable, but after a restless night became again so serious, that another doctor was called in, who, to Sir Moses' great grief, could give him no better account. Most of the members of the family were there. Mr Sebag (now Mr Sebag Montefiore) remained all night, and together with Sir Moses, read with her the prayers for the sick.
September 23rd.—Lady Montefiore had a very restless night. Sir Moses attended Divine Service in the Portuguese Synagogue early in the morning, and had a special prayer offered up for her recovery. He distributed generous gifts among the poor, and subsequently returned to Park Lane.
Dr Hamilton Rowe came and had a long consultation with Dr Hodgkin; they found Lady Montefiore in the same state as last night, and ordered some strong remedies. Dr Rowe told Sir Moses that he was not entirely without hopes. In the afternoon Sir Moses attended again Divine Service in the German Synagogue. He distributed more charitable gifts among the poor, and joined the community in offering up special prayers for his wife. In the evening on his return to Park Lane, he wrote the last verse in a Pentateuch scroll written for him and Lady Montefiore at Wilna, in Russia, by a distinguished scribe. The ceremony was performed in a room (their private oratory) adjoining their chamber, with the door open, so that Lady Montefiore might hear the prayers offered up on the occasion. Several of his relatives and friends were present and joined in supplications to the Almighty to alleviate her sufferings and to restore her to health. "She was as patient as an angel," Sir Moses says, "under her sufferings. All our friends have shewn their sympathy for my dear wife." Innumerable calls and enquiries have been made during the day.
September 24th.—Dr Rowe and Dr Hodgkin declared that a very favourable change had taken place, but still the utmost quietness must be observed. They cautioned him against being too sanguine, as Lady Montefiore was very weak and no longer young.
The time was now fast approaching for one of the best daughters of Israel to return home to her Heavenly Father.
On the day when the doctors still left a spark of hope for her recovery, Lady Montefiore remained silent, apparently preparing her spirit for flight. Many a sigh of deep sorrow might have been heard around her couch, many eyes were dimmed by tears of grief, but no sigh, no tear was to be noticed on the countenance of the dying lady; with a heavenly smile she greeted those who came to see her, endeavouring at the same time to incline her head towards them. Relatives and friends were anxious to remain with her, but she motioned to them to leave her and to go to prayers, as it was the eve of the Hebrew New Year, one of the most solemn festivals. The Sabbath lamp was lighted, shedding its subdued light around, and in the adjoining oratory the hymns for the festival were softly and solemnly chanted to the ancient melodies.