The Dillon tribune. [volume] (Dillon, Mont.) 1881-1941, 1886-11-19
THE HOME CIRCLE.
BY VERA VERNON.
Mrs. Emma u. e. N. Southwortll.

Mrs. Emma ID. e. N. S0uthworth.
have heard Of Mrs. Southworth and
her novels, ever since can remember, but
that class of literature was not allowed me
in my childhood, and later the sensational
titles of her books led me to believe that
should not derive much benefit, or even
pleasure, from their perusal. A year or
two ago, however, one Of her latest, and
best works fell into my hands. 1t was
"Ishn,ael'' or "In the Depths" and its Sc
quel, "Out of the Depths"
I was forced to acknowledge that the
book was not only Of better literary style
than had expected, but Of more real in
terest and benefit than many had read.
Indeed, the interest is intense, and the
moral, or morals Qor there are severaD are
of the utmost importance.
It would be difficult to conceive nobler
here, than poor, lowlv born "Ishmael",
who, by his own efforts, under Divine
blessing gains high place in country and
social life. He is said to be real public
character of fame and influence.
1have not carefully read any others Of
Mrs. Southworth's numerous novels.
know they are sensational; know, too
there is religious influence present, that
is lacking in many books Of higher literary
style.
see her publishers, T. B. Peterson &
Bro, of Philadelphia, announce new
book Of hers. I really have forgotten the
title, but it will no doubt have hosts Of
readers.
Mrs. Southworth's personal and literary
career, is interesting and romantic. She
was born in Washington, D. G. She de.
scribes her own childhood and girlhood as
one continued scene Of gloom.
She became Mrs. Southworth in 1S41,
and in lS43 was thrown upon her own re-
sources, to support herself and her little
one-"a widow in fact but not in name"
Sh. taught in the public schools, and
wrote for toe periodicals, but was poorly
paid for both.
Her first work was in the line Of shor,
stories and sketches.
At last she undertook to write a story t.
run through several numbers Of the Ma
tiomal Era, to which she was then contrib
utirg.
That story was the turning point in he'
life, and copy her own history of it
composition.
"The circumstances under which this
my first novel, was written, and the sue
cess that afterwards attended its publica
ton, are remarkab instance Of Sowing
in tears and 'reaping in joy; for, in addi
ton to that bitterest sorrow, with which
may not make you acquainted-that grca
My small salary was Inadequate to gu
comfortable support. My school mum
bered eighty pupils, boys and girls, and
had the whole charge of them mysel
Added to this, IN. little boy fell dange'
ously i'll, and was confined to his bed i
perfect helplessness, until June. He wcui
suffer no one to move him but mysel
Thus my time was passed between house
ACCpUIk, eSuOO'NSSp''Ss NY Sbs1N S'No
bed, and literary labors.
The time devoted to writing, was III;
which should have been given to sleep {
fresh air. 1t was too much for me or an
human being. My health broke down.
had hemorrhage Of the lungs. Still rers'
vered; I did my best for my house, IN
school, my sick child and publisher, y
neither received justice.
The child suffered and complained, IL
patrons Of the school grew dissatisfied, al
noying, and sometimes insulting me, an
the publisher would reject whole pages
that manuscript, which was written am
grief and pain and toll he knew nothing {
1t was, indeed, the very melee Of the "Ba
tie Of Life. l was forced to keep ,
strue Cling, when wished only for dea
and for rest.
But look how it terminated. The mig
ofthc storm and darkness came to an en-
and morning broke on me at last
bright, glad morning, pioneering ne
and happy life First Of all, it was in til
%.,oro,t ~ tr,,,,hle that I wac carrie,l = ~: