Born at Edinburgh, 20th May, 1812.
Died at Tunbridge Wells, 7th December, 1856.
Of an old Scotch family. First attracted attention in 1835 by the publication of her “Turns of Fortune,” a tale of which seventy thousand copies were sold within three days. Encouraged by this success she gave herself up to the pursuit of literature. Her most popular works, besides that just named, are “At the Sign of the Spread Eagle,” “The Court of Lions,” “Hammer and Tongs,” “Lady Bettina,” and “The Hero of the White Shield.” Inherited a large fortune from her father, and being herself the best paid authoress of her time, and of an exceedingly saving turn, she died worth an immense sum.
Gertrude Williams.
Born at Harlech (North Wales), 12th July, 1855.
Still living.
Began the study of the violin at the age of six. Appeared as a musical prodigy at Chester in 1864. Studied from 1865-1868 at the Conservatorium at Leipzig. Made her début in London in April, 1870, when the beauty of her playing at once ensured her a brilliant success. Has now for many years been recognised as the greatest of British violinists, and is much respected for her devotion to the higher forms of musical art. Exhibits a marked tendency towards a wandering life, and has visited professionally not only all the European capitals, but the chief towns of the American Continent. Is a small lively person with dark brown hair and extraordinarily bright eyes.
Competitors must write on one side of the paper only, and, before sending in their papers, they must number the leaves and stitch them together at the left-hand top corner.
On the back of the last leaf each paper must bear the full name, age, and address of the competitor, and underneath the following must be written by father, mother, minister, or teacher:—
“I hereby certify that this paper is the sole work and in the handwriting of (competitor’s full name is again to be written), and that her age and address are correctly stated.” (Signature and address of the parent, minister, or teacher.)