Carlyle did not take to many people, but he took to Froude.

Perhaps he was touched by the younger man's devotion.

Perhaps he saw that Froude was no ordinary disciple, and would be able to carry on the torch when he relinquished it himself.

At all events he expressed a wish to see him oftener in his walks, in his rides, in his home.

Nothing could be more flattering than such an invitation from such a man.