“One day he followed Carlyle from his house, and across the Bridge into Battersea Park. Mr. Allingham was with him. Presently the two sat down together on one of the Park seats. No one was about, and the couple of old gentlemen were in no way occupied except with their own thoughts. My young friend nervously watched them as they sat, wondering how near he might venture. At last he mustered up courage enough to walk softly behind Mr. Allingham, and to say to him almost in a whisper:
“‘Mr. Allingham, do you think Mr. Carlyle would allow me to shake hands with him?’
“‘Mr. Carlyle,’ said Mr. Allingham, ‘here is a young man who wishes to speak to you.’
“Carlyle, roused from his reverie, stood up facing the young student almost savagely, and said very sharply:
“‘Who are you, and what do you want?’
“The brusqueness of the challenge drove the youth’s shyness away—he answered jestingly:
“‘I’m a Black Brunswicker from Birmingham.’
“Carlyle’s attitude completely changed. He laughed, and repeated:
“‘A Black Brunswicker from Birmingham!’ Then he added: ‘Tell us who you are, and all about you.’
“This led to my friend giving Carlyle his name and a good deal of his history. The Sage asked him many questions with evident interest and kindly intention, and they were about to part when Carlyle not only shook hands with his admirer, but gave him his blessing, putting a hand on his head and saying with solemn earnestness: