In 1862 Mrs.
Carlyle's health broke down, and for a year her case seemed desperate.

Her doctor sent her away to St.Leonard's, and in no long time she apparently recovered.

After that her husband took more care of her, and provided her with a carriage.

But her constitution had been shattered, and she died suddenly as she drove through Hyde Park on the 21st of April, 1866, while Carlyle was at Dumfries, resting after the delivery of his Rectorial Address to the University of Edinburgh.
Carlyle's bereavement drove him into more complete dependence upon Froude's sympathy and support.

The lonely old man brooded over his loss, and over his own short-comings.