THOMAS CAELYLE. 359 



whistles were energetically active all night. I feared 

 the result, and my fears proved only too well grounded. 

 In the morning I found Carlyle in his bedroom, wild 

 with his sufferings. He had not slept a wink. It 

 ought to be noted that the day previous he had dined 

 two or three hours later than was his wont, and had 

 engaged in a vigorous discussion after dinner. Look- 

 ing at me despairingly, he said, ' I can stay no longer 

 at Freystone, another such night would kill me.' 

 * You shall do exactly as you please,' was my reply. ' I 

 will explain matters to Lord Houghton, and he, I am 

 persuaded, will comply with all your wishes.' I spoke 

 to Lord Houghton, who, though sorely disappointed, 

 agreed that it was best to allow his guest complete 

 freedom of action. It was accordingly arranged that 

 we should push on to Edinburgh. Carlyle's breakfast 

 was prepared. He partially filled a bowl with strong 

 tea, added milk, and an egg beaten up. Kendered 

 thus nutritive, the tea seemed to soothe and strengthen 

 him. As he breakfasted our projects were discussed. 

 Once, after a pause, he exclaimed, ' How ungrateful it 

 is on my part, after so much kindness, to quit Frey- 

 stone in this fashion.' Taking prompt advantage of 

 this moment of relenting, I said, 6 Do not quit it, but 

 stay. We will take a pair of horses and gallop over 

 the country for five or six hours. When you return 

 you shall have a dinner like what you are accus- 

 tomed to at home, and I will take care that there 

 shall be no discussions afterwards.' He laughed, which 

 was a good sign. I stood to my guns, and he at 

 length yielded. Lord Houghton joyfully ratified the 

 programme, and two horses were immediately got 

 ready. 



The animal bestrode by Carlyle was a large bony 

 grey, with a terribly hard mouth. He seemed 



