THE preceding book carried the story of Edward 1836. Bulwer's public life, as author and politician, from the date when his autobiography ends down to the year I 840. Having now arrived at the period when he passes from early manhood into middle life-the period when he himself began to review his career and make autobiographical notes, it may be well to devote a chapter to a few details of a more personal character.

To take up the thread of his personal life it will be necessary to go back to I 8 3 the year of his separation from his wife. In the mental distress which he suffered then, and in the succeeding years, when his wife began to pursue him with publications of a libelous character, Bulwer had at least one friend from whom he never failed to receive sympathy and consolation. This friend was Lady Blessing ton. Her admiration of his writings was perhaps too generous for her to serve him as a helpful critic, but in all the troubles and difficulties of his private life the genuine affection of so intelligent and experienced a woman of the world, gave him the greatest possible support.