My
mother's character was a blend of extreme simplicity and great
dignity, with a limitless gift of sympathy for others. I can say
with perfect truth that, throughout her life, she succeeded in
winning the deep love of all those who were brought into constant
contact with her. Very early in life she fell under the influence
of the Evangelical movement, which was then stirring England to
its depths, and she throughout her days remained faithful to its
tenets. It could be said of her that, though, in the world, she
was not of the world. Owing to force of circumstances, she had at
times to take her position in the world, and no one could do it
with greater dignity, or more winning grace; but the atmosphere of
London, both physical and social, was distasteful to her. She had
an idea that the smoke-laden London air affected her lungs, and,
apart from the pleasure of seeing the survivors of the very
intimate circle of friends of her young days, London had few
attractions for her; all her interests were centred in the
country, in country people, and country things.
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