Another of Speranza's undertakings was to translate from the German a novel called "Sidonia the Sorceress," and a remarkable philosophical work of German fiction, in three volumes, " The First Temptation." In 1851, she exchanged Nationalism for matrimony, and became the wife of Dr. (afterwards Sir William) Wilde, famous as an oculist and also for his antiquarian tastes. He was born at Castlerea, and was ten years older than Speranza. And now began a new phase of her life, as a leader of society. A rather spiteful view of her is given by Miss Henrietta Corkran, in her lately published book, "Celebrities I have Met." She says:—"I called at Merrion Square late in the afternoon, for Lady Wilde never received anyone till 5 p.m., as she hated what she called 'the brutality of strong lights;' the shutters were closed and the lamps had pink shades, though it was full daylight. A very tall woman—she looked over six feet high—she wore that day a long crimson silk gown which swept the floor. The skirt was voluminous, underneath there must have been two crinolines, for when she walked there was a peculiar swaying, swelling movement, like that of a vessel at sea, the sails filled with wind. Over the crimson silk were flounces of Limerick lace, and round what had been a waist, an Oriental scarf, embroidered with gold, was twisted. Her long, massive, handsome face was plastered with white powder. Over her blue-
