1882-1884] Frederick Denison Maurice 265 



Thursday [1883]. 



I do so want to talk over Mrs Carlyle with you, and I 

 hope you will get it soon. It is most interesting and enter- 

 taining, but what a coarse woman, though only to a hus- 

 band. But one gets fond of her through everything. She 

 has Carlyle's taste for very disagreeable personal observa- 

 tions. 



Saturday [March, 1884]. 



I am deep in Maurice, 1 and if I could keep to my resolu- 

 tion of never even trying to understand him, I should 

 quite enjoy the book. I think his influence must have 

 arisen entirely from what he was and not from what he 

 taught. . . . 



I find I do get more glimmerings about Maurice's opinions ; 

 but why could not he be happier ? One feels almost angry 

 with all his self-reproach about his wife, whom he evidently 

 adored. Man was certainly intended to be made of stouter 

 stuff. It is comical to read Swift's journal along with 

 Maurice, so undoubting and passionate, angry and affec- 

 tionate. 



April [1884]. 



I think it horrid of M. not to come and devote herself 

 entirely to Ellen. I am afraid she is working out her 

 own salvation, which I agree with Mamice in thinking so 

 wicked. 



I got Gordon on the brain last night and he bothered me 

 very much more than the Daily News can set straight, I 

 fear. 



George, her second son, was now engaged to be married 

 to Maud Dupuy, of Philadelphia. 



1 Life of F. D. Maurice by his son, General Sir F. Maurice. 



