ree hours every morning, besides managing her
house carefully, reading the newspapers (for she always was a keen, and,
I must add, a liberal politician), and the most important new books on
all subjects, grave and gay. In addition to all this, she freely visited
and received her friends. She was, indeed, very fond of society, and did
not look for transcendent talent in those with whom she associated,
although no one appreciated it more when she found it. Gay and cheerful
company was a pleasant relaxation after a hard day's work. My mother
never introduced scientific or learned subjects into general
conversation. When they were brought forward by others, she talked
simply and naturally about them, without the slightest pretension to
superior knowledge. Finally, to complete the list of her
accomplishments, I must add that she was a remarkably neat and skilful
needlewoman. We still possess some elaborate specimens of her embroidery
and lace-work.

Devoted and loving in all the relations of life, my mother was ever
forgetful of self. Indulgent and sympathising, she never judged others
with harshness or severity; yet she could be very angry when her
indignation was aroused by hearing of injustice or oppression, of
cruelty to man or beast, or of any attack on those she loved. Rather
timid and retiring in general society, she was otherwise fearless in her
quiet way. I well remember her cool composure on some occasions when we
were in great danger. This she inherited from her father, Admiral Sir
William Fairfax, a gallant gentleman who distinguished himself greatly
at the battle of Camperdown.[1]

My mother speaks of him as follows among her "Recollections," of which I
now proceed to place some portions before the reader.

* * * * *

My father was very good looking, of a brave and noble nature, and a
perfect gentleman both in appearance and character. He was sent to sea
as midshipman at ten years of age, so he had very little education; but
he read a great deal, chiefly history and voyages. He was very cool, and
of instant resource in moments of danger.

One night, when his little vessel had taken refuge with many others from
an intensely violent gale and drifting snow in Yarmouth Roads, they saw
lights disappear, as vessel after vessel foundered. My father, after
having done all that was possible for the safety of the ship, went to
bed. His cabin door did not shut closely, from the rolling of the sh