Before that decisive step, however, it became evident in which direction he was tending, and Froude wrote to Lady Derby on the 5th of March: "I will call on Tuesday about 5.

I have not been out of town, but my afternoons have been taken up with a multitude of small engagements, and indeed I have been sulky too, and imagined Lord D.had delivered himself over to the enemy.

But what right have I to say anything when I am going this evening to dine with Chamberlain?
I like Chamberlain.

He knows his mind.

There is no dust in his eyes, and he throws no dust in the eyes of others." Of the great struggle between Lords and Commons over the franchise in 1884, Froude wrote to the same correspondent on the 31st of July: "As to what has happened since I went away, I for my own humble part am heartily pleased, for it will clear the air.