What was the subject of the “antagonism” to which the above letter alludes, I have entirely forgotten.  In all probability we differed on some subject of politics,[1] by reason of the then rapidly maturing Conservatism which my outlook ahead forced upon me.  Nevertheless it would seem from some words in a letter written to me by Lewes in the November of 1869, that my political heresies were not deemed deeply damning.  There was a question of my undertaking the foreign correspondence of a London paper, which came to nothing till some four years later, under other circumstances; and with reference to that project he writes:—­

[Footnote 1:  My wife, on reading this passage, tells me that according to her recollection the differences in question had no reference to politics at all, but to matters of higher interest relating to man’s ultimate destinies.]

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“Polly and I were immensely pleased at the prospect for you.  She was rejoiced that you should once more be giving yourself to public affairs, which you so well understand....  We are but just come back from the solitudes of a farm-house in Surrey, whither I took Polly immediately after our loss [of his son], of which I suppose Anthony told you.  It had shaken her seriously.  She had lavished almost a mother’s love on the dear boy, and suffered a mother’s grief in the bereavement.  He died in her arms; and for a long while it seemed as if she could never get over the pain.  But now she is calm again, though very sad.  But she will get to work, and that will aid her.

“For me, I was as fully prepared (by three or four months’ conviction of its inevitableness) as one can be in such cases.  It is always sudden, however foreseen.  Yet the preparation was of great use; and I now have only a beautiful image living with me, and a deep thankfulness that his sufferings are at an end, since recovery was impossible.

“Give my love to your wife and Bice, and believe ever in yours faithfully,

“G.H.  LEWES.”

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The following highly interesting letter was written to my wife by Mrs. Lewes, about a year after his death.  It is dated “The Priory, 19 December, 1879":—­

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“DEAR MRS. TROLLOPE,—­In sending me Dr. Haller’s words you have sent me a great comfort.  A just appreciation of my husband’s work from a competent person is what I am most athirst for; and Dr. Haller has put his finger on a true characteristic.  I only wish he could print something to the same effect in any pages that would be generally read.