of the Cambridge University Library; Mrs. W. K. Clifford, whose husband, so early lost to science, had been an intimate friend; Mr. Moncure Conway; Mr. and Mrs. William Rossetti; above all, Mr. and Mrs. Ford Madox Brown, and, at a later date, Mr. and Mrs. William Sharp. When in health her enjoyment of her friends' society was perfect, and her hospitality most genial. And if her life suffered from the frequent mutation of domicile, it gained greatly in consistency and unity of purpose. From this time forth she had but one object, to express herself adequately in literature, more especially in poetry. In spite of fluctuating health, uncertain circumstances, and the long spells of depression, during which she was incapable of literary work, it is astonishing how much she accomplished. The history of her life is henceforth mainly in her writings.
Mathilde's first important literary labour, however, was not original work but a translation, being a rendering of Strauss's book, "The Old Faith and the New" (1873). Nothing was more characteristic of her than the instinct which led her to the highest things. She would always, if she could, address her conversation to the most distinguished person present in a company, read the greatest author, and consult the highest authority; in the main a most commendable course, but "which may occasionally in society have overborne superior and mortified inferior people, and which in literature left her ignorant of many things which greater condescension to humble utility would have revealed. In the present instance her spiritual experiences and the worldwide sensation produced by Strauss's work awakened within her the desire to translate the book, and when the business arrangements to this effect were concluded,
