a shyness of disposition and reserve which was but
little understood she refrained from telling her fears. She was
considered rather stupid and dull, and, from being continually
described as such, grew neglectful of her studies; while, at the same
time, delicacy of health combined with this natural stupidity to prevent
anything like precocious intelligence. Still, Elizabeth was by no means
deficient in penetration, tact, or common-sense; she possessed
remarkable insight into character, and exercised her privilege of
thinking for herself on most questions. She is described as being a shy,
fair child, possessing a poor opinion of herself, and somewhat given to
contradiction. She says in her early recollections: "I believe I had not
a name only for being obstinate, for my nature had a strong tendency
that way, and I was disposed to a spirit of contradiction, always ready
to see things a little differently from others, and not willing to yield
my sentiments to them."

These traits developed, in all probability, into those which made her so
famous in after years. Her faculty for independent investigation, her
unswerving loyalty to duty, and her fearless perseverance in works of
benevolence, were all foreshadowed in these early days. Add to these
characteristics, the religious training which Mrs. Gurney gave her
children, the daily reading of the Scriptures, and the quiet ponderings
upon the passages read, and we cannot be surprised that such a character
was built up in that Quaker home.

At twelve years of age Elizabeth lost her mother, and in consequence
suffered much from lack of wise womanly training. The talents she
possessed ripened and developed, however, until she became remarkable
for originality of thought and action; while the spirit of benevolent
enterprise which distinguished her, led her to seek out modes of
usefulness not usually practiced by girls. Her obstinacy and spirit of
contradiction became in later years gradually merged or transformed into
that decision of character, and lady-like firmness, which were so
needful to her work, so that obstacles became only incentives to
progress, and persecution furnished courage for renewed zeal. Yet all
this was tempered with tender, conscientious heart-searching into both
motives and actions.

During her "teens" she is described as being tall and slender,
peculiarly graceful in the saddle, and fond of dancing. She possessed a
pleasing countenance and manner, and g