, 1872-12-17
A HODEL OF WoMAN,s INFLUENCE.


wife Of the Right Hon. benjamin Disrael, sug-
geats how much Of a mans greatness is fire.
quently due to the in1ue nee Of the woman whom
he chooses as his partner for life. The history
Of this lady is no other than that Of good,
faithful wife, the features Of whose life rarely
come to the public knowledge, and whose memo
~ belongs to those upon whom she has bestowed
her cheering encouragements her delicate con-
solations, end her inspiring companionship.
The Viscountess Beaconsdeld WAS only known
az Dsraells wife until her husband made public
testimony Of his gratitude and love by trans
fe1ing to her the Peerage which WAS pronered
him in acknowledgment Of his eminent services
Is a ltterateur and diplomatist. She
WAS the daughter Of John Evans, and
VAS first married to NIr. Wyndham Lewis,
member OF Parliament. 1Ir. Lewis Was an inti-
mate friend of Mr.. Disraelis, and extended to
him all the aid and encouragement which the
Parliament. In 1889, two years after lr. Lewis'
death, Mr.. Disraei married the widow. at this
time, tha Viscountess Was no longer young nor
beautiful; but Mr.. Disraal had already become
familiar with the many charms Of her character,
and es timated them at their proper value. It is
historical that Disraei made dismal and dis
heartening failure upon his first appearance in
Parliament. Much had been expected from him
on account Of his former brilliant career as an
author, but his maiden speech was so tame and
fiat that it was received with hisses, laughter,
and constant interruptions. Disraei sat down
with his memorable threat that be would make
Parliament listen to him at some future time,-
a threat which he fully carried out. There is
reason to believe that it was through his wife's
influence that he WAS enabled to fulfil his
prophecy. Before his marriage, Disraei, petted
md spoiled by his literary admirers, had formed
habits which we're likely to dissipate his brill
liant talents. He gave himself up to the adula~
ton which he received in society; sought fre-
quentrespitesin Continental travel, and INDUCED
his eccentric tastes to the fullest extent. It
was his wife's influence that checked these
dangerous tendencies, and moulded his acquire
menta into the more severe shape which WAS
necessary to achieve successful career as
statesman. She was woman Of brains and
ambition. But she aspired rather to her hus-
bands success than to any personal bri1liancy in
society. 4 familiar story beautifully and sadly
illustrates her self-sacri6cing spirit. The occa-
sion IVES one on which Mr. Disraei WAS to de-
liver speech in Parliament from which he ex-
pected great results. His wife accompanied him
to the House in carriage. In closing
the door ut leaving home, one Of his
wife's fingers Was caught and crushed.
She forebore to utter any exclamation, fearing
that it might disturb her husbands thoughts in
such manner as to endanger the success which
he had 30 fondly anticipated. She bore the tor
ture until he left the carriage, when she drove
quietly to q surgeons, and had the crushed finger
dressed and bandaged; but when AIr. Disrael
returned, flushed with his forensic triumph, she
showed him the bruised finger as her share Of
the victory. There is no doubt that it WAS her
influence which gave stability and direction to
talents that we're originally Of erratio nature,
unsuited to the triumphs OF stateemanship
which Disraeli attained. His love and admira-
tion for her we're so pronounced, TINT they be-
came the talk OF London society, and, in asking
for her the Peerage which was offered to him.
self, he publicly attested her worth in the most
delicate and deserving manner,