story, called "The Moorland Cottage," and two years after, "Ruth," a novel Since then this author has contributed to Dickens's "Household Words," some sketches of village life, under the title of "Cranford;" and a tale entitled "North and South," in which "we are taken to the manufacturing districts of Yorkshire, while a "strike" Is in operation, and shown the disastrous effects, both moral and physical, which result from a digression of the great principles of justice, both on the part of master and man. All through Mrs. Gaskell's works is evinced an earnest desire to vindicate, and to elevate the poor and oppressed, and to teach those who have wealth and power, to use it wisely and beneficently; she has embodied in them the result of much close observation of the every-day life of those around her, and deep reflection on the causes of our social and political evils, and. writing for a great moral end and purpose, deserves to be listened to, as she is, with attention and respect.
GASSIER, MADAME,
Is by birth and education a Spaniard; her maiden name was Cruz, and she was born at Madrid, about the year 1830. She made her debût as an actress quite early, and attained considerable fame in her native country. In 1854, she appeared at the Paris Italian Opera, having previously performed at several of the principal theatres in Italy; she married M. Gassier, of Marseilles, an eléve of the Conservatoire. In May, 1855, Madame Gassier appeared at Drury Lane with immense success, "Barbière," "Somnambula," and "Pascale," were her principal pieces, and she and her husband were during that season the chief supports of the establishment, attracting night after night large audiences. At the close of the season she set out on a provincial tour with Grisi, Mario, and other famous vocalists, and fully sustained the reputation she had acquired in the capital.
GASTON, MARGARET.
Was born in the county of Cumberland, about the year 1775. Her maiden name was Sharpe. Her parents being Catholics, were desirous of giving their daughter better advantages of education, connected with their own faith, than could be found in this country; therefore Margaret was sent to France, and brought up in a convent. She was very happy in her secluded life; and her conduct in her subsequent history shews that she was well trained. Having two brothers residing in America, she went thither to visit them; and married, in North Carolina, Dr. Alexander Gaston, of Huguenot ancestry. This was about the commencement of the war of Independence; and Dr. Gaston espoused the cause of his country, in which he lost his life.
Her brothers and eldest son having died before this sad event, Mrs. Gaston had no relatives in America but her two surviving children, William, a boy of three years old, and an infant daughter, to the care and instruction of whom she entirely devoted herself.
Though still young when left a widow, she never laid aside the habiliments of sorrow; and the anniversary of her husband's death was kept as a day of fasting and prayer. The great object of her life was the instruction of her son, and imbuing his mind with the highest principles, the noble integrity, and Christian faith, which
