Sir Wilfrid Laurier: “When I started out on the campaign," he stated, referring to the election that had removed him from office three months before,” my wife was unable, through advancing years and ill-health, to accompany me.

The evening before I left home for the tour, we a talk together. I told her that while we expected to win the forces arrayed against in this campaign were of an unusual character and that we might fall in fight. ‘However, if we do,' I assured her, 'I will return to you, retire from public life, and together will be able to carry out our cherished plan to live our closing years quietly and peacefully together.’

With that assurance, continued the ex-Premier, I left her. You may imagine that on that night when I heard the country had gone against us, my thoughts turned to my wife and the promise I had made her. I telegraphed her briefly that I was 'coming home.'

She met me at the station. There was no word of disappointment, no suggestion of recrimination. ‘Wilfrid, you must keep the leadership,' were her first words to me. 'You must fight on.' That is the reason that I am enabled tonight to tender you my services,’ concluded Sir Wilfrid, while the gathering rose and gave three cheers and a tiger for Lady Laurier.”