or may, of course, be foolishly introduced into a parody upon the “Lay” in question.
Daffodil (Portugal).—Thank you very much for your interesting letter from Oporto. We like to hear about your life. Your information is published elsewhere.
Bluebell.—The extract you give is from Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar.” You will find it in the last volume of his works, and it begins thus—
“Sunset, and evening star,
And one clear call for me.”
Agatha.—We are pleased to have your letter from the Sea-Bathing Hospital and hope you will soon be stronger. As for your quotation from Longfellow—
“We should dread the desert behind us
Worse than the dark before,”
it is true that in one sense one cannot “dread” what is behind; and yet it seems to us the poet’s meaning is clear. The world—life’s experience, life’s memories—deprived of the presence of children, would be more desolate and dreadful even than “the dark” or the unknown future. One must not be too strict in criticising poetical expressions, and “to dread” may mean to feel distress or horror, as well as apprehension.
Miss R. M. Jacob, 8, Waldenshaw Road, Forest Hill, London, S.E., sends us particulars of Correspondence Lessons in the cane basket-work. The method is her own and original, and she seems already to be very successful in teaching. Girls who need some fresh occupation will do well to apply to Miss Jacob for particulars.