.

.

Lord Beaconsfield wore a mask to the generality of mankind.
It was only when I read Lothair that I could form any notion to myself of the personality which was behind.

I once alluded to that book in a speech at a Royal Academy banquet.

Lord Beaconsfield was present, and was so far interested in what I said that he wished me to review Endymion in the Edinburgh, and sent me the proof-sheets of it before publication.