Preface [v-vi]
In bringing together some traits of female heroism, the aim has been to show the fortitude and devotion of which women are capable, rather in a feminine and domestic aspect than a brilliant one, and to exhibit acts of courage and presence of mind in characters distinguished by their conscientious fulfilment of the quiet, unobtrusive duties of every-day life. Love of adventure, constitutional indifference to danger, and a consciousness of superior powers, have led women to the successful performance of many high and daring exploits; but it has been wished to prove that such constitutional peculiarities are not required to make a heroine; while the natural emotions of timidity and fear need be no hindrances to the development of true heroism. It only needs that the mind, trained and disciplined to obey the will, shall have force to overcome the weakness of the body; that, clear to see its duty, the heart shall be prompt, at any sacrifice, to perform it. Not that there shall be no natural fear or shrinking, but that the occasion shall be felt great enough to overcome them. Every one who accustoms herself, in small as well as great things, to do at once, and in a cheerful spirit, what is to be done – who takes upon herself the duties that fall to her lot – who uses no vain delays – who does the thing she fears, and thus learns to know the joy and the strength that every such effort brings with it [vi] – is educating herself to be a heroine. It may be that the even tenor of her life will never call out her full powers; but, should the moment of action ever come, noble impulses will be hers, and she will have strength to obey them. Her heart and hand will be equal to the emergency that claims her aid. […] While called upon to act, she had thought only of what was to be done, and she had been granted strength to do it: when all is scene to look back upon, her woman’s nature will assert itself – her heart will sink at the thought only of what it passed through unmoved – and while others praise her courage, she will think of it only to thank – if she thinks of her own daring, it will be to thank the Supporting Hand which had so wonderfully strengthened her weakness. It is hoped that the general tendency of the following pages will be to show the importance and happy results of such a temper of mind.
Contents
Mrs. Jane Lane 1Lady Fanshawe 14
Lady Banks 36
Lady Morton 42
The Heart of Montrose 46
Lady Grisell Baillie 56
Winnifred, Countess of Nithsdale 75
Flora Macdonald 87
Miss Mackay 113
Lady Harriet Acland 125
Helen Walker 129
Madame la Rochejaquelin 139
Elizabeth Cazotte 169
Mademoiselle de Sombreuil 172
Gertrude Von der Wart 175
The Miller’s Maid 183
A Rustic Heroine 188
The Escape of Mrs. Spencer Smith 190
Mademoiselle Ambos 198