The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-06
MRS. CARLYLE RECALLED
SHE LOOKED WELL AFTER THOMAS
AND SPOKE OF HIM AS .'HE."
The VISITORS Strongest Impression
Was OF the Deep Love Between
the OddIy-Matched Pair.
scotchwoman." in the Independent.

s'Scotchwoman,' in the Independent.
In the summer of 1866 had the pleasure
of meeting Mrs. Carlyle at friends house
on the outskirts of London. She remained
in charge of her house, was her usual
CUSTOM while her husbands library was in
the hands of painters and decorators. Times
We're changed since the early days when,
in similar circumstances, she took refuge in
her back garden from workmen, having
put up there a tent by means of clothes
props, with a light carpet thrown over
them. Her gypsy instincts failed her on this
occasion, and the erection fell to pieces
upon her. Now there was trusty house,
keeper at Cheync row. all that was in
cumbent was an occasional visit to note
progress. Mr. Carlyle was with his rela-
tives I'm Scotland. Letters came from him
every day, and they were read with eager
ness My place at the luncheon table was
always beside Mrs. Carlyle. and day
a letter from her husband being opened
by her. / could not avoid seeing the first
words My own dearest" One of those let
ters contained small pattern of tweed
cloth, which she showed me, saying: He
wants my opinion of this. and to know
whether l advise him to have suit made
of it," Generally. she said, such matters
were entirely settled by her; so much so
that when the tailors man came to try
on a frock coat. he always asked for her
decision. Turning to her he would say
Should you like velvet collar MADAME"
Unfortunately, long years of bad health
had left her very much an invalid 1t was
an effort to walk much. and her hands were
weakened by rheumatism. so that it was
impossible for ner to make any return for
the letters received daily. She was woefully
thin and the charm of her early days could
only be imagined But she dressed in
rich. quaint style. and bright glowing eyes
lit up her face. 1 never saw her enter
room without thinking that some gracious
figure had stepped out of an old Spanish pic
ture. One could understand why ii had
been said TO Mr.. Carlyle that his wife was
extravagant in dress, the more so that she
was known TO employ court dressmaker.
His reply was: My wife is the most eco
nomical woman in London. On such sub
iects husbands are not always the best
judges; but we may give him the benefit of
the doubt. As il was difficult for her to as
cend the stairs, /. then young and active.
was on the watch to her trouble and
10 get her anything she had forgotten. In
acknowledgment of these services she gave
me her photograph when we said goodbye
kindly expressing the hope that should |
ever become feeble like her | might also
find willing helper. This photo recalls
her wildly. delicate piece of rare lace
being the charming substitute for a cap.
SHE CALLS HIM HE"
When speaking of her husband Mrs. Car
lyle never made use OF his name. but only
Of the pronouns he and him. and very anus
ing were some of the stories she told II
Ike :" ST. said, TO give people presents
anonymously that they may guess from
whom they come once ! gave him an UNI
brella as a birthday gift. but he is so stupid
that he used Il for a w.iole year without
knowing who was che giyer."
"A pathetic tale was told Of little dog
that 2hared their home shortly after their