The object of the work-Miss Hessel's mental and moral featuresLocal and domestic influences-Melton-Mowbray-At a Boarding. school in Leeds-Reminiscences of her school-days by a fellowpupil-Death of her eldest sister-Noble purposes.
THE writer first became acquainted with the subject of this memoir in November 1838. The occasion was one of mournful interest. Death had invaded her father's house, and smitten the first-born-her beloved and highly-gifted brother John. She was then but nine years old, having been born on April 10th 1829. Circumstances prevented the renewal of acquaintance till the summer of 1855. The girl had now become a tall, well-proportioned woman. Her features identified her as the sister of his lamented friend, and it required little intercourse to satisfy him that there were other than physical resemblances. An elevation of sentiment, a refinement of taste, and a copiousness of choice language, distinguished her. To these were added a charming frankness. Rumour had pronounced her gifted, but personal acquaintance convinced him "the half had not been told."