All the new books, the literature of the hour, were lighted up by her keen, searching, yet always kindly criticism; and it was charming to get her fresh, genuine, clear-cut modes of expression, so different from the world-worn phrases of what is called good society.

Her opinions were always perfectly clear and positive, and given with the freedom of one who has long stood in a position to judge the world and its ways from her own standpoint.

But it was not merely in general literature and science that her heart lay; it was following always with eager interest the progress of humanity over the whole world.
This was the period of the great battle for liberty in Kansas.

The English papers were daily filled with the thrilling particulars of that desperate struggle, and Lady Byron entered with heart and soul into it.
Her first letter to me, at this time, is on this subject.

It was while 'Dred' was going through the press.
'CAMBRIDGE TERRACE, Aug.