This deliciously _naive_ note of 'Dora' to her venerated father suggests that it is due similarly to demur--with all respect--to the representation given of Mrs.Hemans (pp.

193-4).

Three things it must be permitted me to recall: (_a_) That the 'brevity's sake' hardly condones the fulness of statement of an imagined ignorance of 'housewifery' on the part of Mrs.Hemans.

(_b_) That a visitor for a few days in a family could scarcely be expected to set about using her needle in home duties.

(_c_) That unquestionable testimony, furnished me by those who knew her intimately, warrant me to state that Wordsworth was mistaken in supposing that Mrs.Hemans 'could as easily have managed the spear of Minerva as her needle.' Her brave and beautiful life, and her single-handed upbringing of her many boys worthily, make one deeply regret that such sweeping generalisation from a narrow and hasty observation should have been indulged in.