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84 CARLYLE'S LOVES AND LETTERS
feeling, and seeing into her character, that is
Mr. Archibald has obtained no insight.
The necessary changes in matters of history
having been made, his volume might do duty
as the biographical memoir of thousands of
her contemporaries. But perhaps a couple of
and substance of
specimens of the style
Mr. Archibald's prose will best give the
measure of his understanding :
" Lady Bannerman dispensed the hospitality
of Government House with the dignity and
grace which might be expected of one who for
over thirty years had moved in the best
society of England. She had the power of
putting all at their ease, of identifying herself
with their individual interests, and of entering
with animation into the affairs of the hour.
But while she was kind and gracious and frank,
and would freely enter into conversation with
any one, there was always a certain dignity
which prevented any attempt at undue
familiarity."
Again :
" In St. John's she was exceedingly kind and
charitable to the poor, and she and Lady
Hoyles were active workers in the Dorcas
Society. She worshipped at St. Thomas'
(Episcopal) Church, and was especially in-