curing books as in later years, but the young child-student managed to overcome all obstacles, and educated herself, mastering French, Gernan, and Italian. The one aim and end to which her ambition was directed buoyed her up through early years of what
were somewhat rough times to the shy, nervous,
short-sighted girl, who always seemed in every-one's way.
To this repression and self-training may be attributed the independence of thought, the thoroughuess, the originality of idea, 19 well as the deep sympathy with young and struggling authors which are Mrs. Lynn Linton's prevailing characteristics. One of her earliest recollections is of the poet Southey, and that to this day she can recall to mind his peculiar face, his dark eyes, full of fire, his eagle nose, and thin figure. She wrote her first novel, "Azeth, the Egyptian," when she came to London, at the age of twenty-three, and from that day to this has supported herself entirely by her pen; but she says that this "first book" gave her a whole year's hard work to write, and she thinks it is now probably “ unreadable.” For her second, "Amymone," she will ever have the tenderest memories, and the blue eyes kindle when she remarks that it was the means of bringing her into contact with Walter Savage Landor, and securing for her his lasting sympathy and friendship. She says he was her literary father, her guide, philosopher, and friend, and that one of her dearest treasures is a large packet of letters from the poet, beginning “My dear daughter," and signed "Father" only, or “Your affectionate father," as well as those verses which he addressed to her,
