tion to the classics paved the way to a diligent study of Latin
in later years and of the best Latin models, which greatly helped in the
formation of her literary style. She also gained a little knowledge of
mathematics; but Euclid had to retire in favour of the less intricate
study of French. The proficiency which she afterwards acquired in this
language she owed to the assiduous tuition of her eldest sister, Mary.

Before the age of twelve she began to scribble short essays and poems.
Her systematic education commenced on her becoming a pupil of her
sisters' boarding-school at Bristol. Here she made rapid progress, often
giving convincing proof of intellectual gifts, and before long becoming
qualified to assist in tuition.

In her sixteenth year she was one of Sheridan's most delighted auditors
during his delivery of a course of lectures on Eloquence. She expressed
her admiration in a chaplet of verses which, finding their way into the
orator's hands, so impressed him with the fair promise they contained,
that he secured an introduction to the author. Thus originated one of
Hannah's numerous warm friendships of after life.

Ferguson, the astronomer, was another of Hannah's early acquaintances.
From him she gained a knowledge of science; whilst he, prompted by his
high estimate of her abilities, took counsel with her respecting the
style of his literary productions.

Her intellectual tastes were encouraged and directed, to a large extent,
by a somewhat notable Bristol man, of the name of Peach. Although a
draper by trade, his cultivated mind and excellent literary judgment
were of distinct service to his young friend. He was entrusted by Hume
with the revision of the proof-sheets of the famous History of England.

A humorous story is related of the interest which Hannah's conversation
created in the minds of her elders. When laid aside by illness she was
attended by a noted physician, Dr. Woodward, who one day became so
absorbed in his patient's intellectual discourse that he forgot to make
the usual inquiries about her health. "Bless me!" he exclaimed, as he
went downstairs, "I forgot to ask the girl how she was!" He returned to
the bedside, and rather awkwardly put the formal question to the amused
invalid, "How are you to-day, my poor child?"

Hannah's training in the highest principles of morality and in religion,
begun by her devoted parents, received the careful attention of her
eldest sister as long as she