Up to that time he was no more than an occasional visitor in Cheyne Row with a profound belief in the philosophy of that incomparable poem in prose, The French Revolution.

Carlyle helped him with his own history, the earlier volumes of which show clear traces of the master, and encouraged him in his literary work.
Mrs.Carlyle was scarcely less remarkable than her husband.

Although she never wrote a line for publication, her private letters are among the best in the language, and all who knew her agree that she talked as well as she wrote.

Froude thought her the most brilliant and interesting woman he had ever met.

The attraction was purely intellectual.