[VARIETIES.]
Writing History.
Some people have very funny ideas about things. "You know I am supposed to be an historian," said Kinglake the historian of the Crimean war when talking to a friend. "The other day I got a letter which really touched me: it was signed by two people, husband and wife, and came from one of our colonies.
"They described their grief. Their only child had been killed in the Crimea. For some incomprehensible reason, they were most anxious to have their beloved son mentioned in my history of the Crimean War.
"Surprised, but flattered, I replied by return of post—a thing I had not done for many, many years—that I should be happy to do my best for their comfort provided they sent me the necessary particulars.
"Again, a letter signed by both father and mother arrived, but with the following cruel addition—
"'We have no particulars whatever. He was killed on the spot like so many others, and anything you may kindly invent will be welcome. We leave it entirely to your judgment.'"
How to Write Well.—The style of a writer is a faithful representation of her mind: therefore, if any girl wishes to write a clear style, let her first be clear in her thoughts; and if anyone would write in a noble style, let her first possess a noble soul.
Knowledge and Love.—Without knowledge love is vain, without love knowledge is vain.