Page:Sketches of some distinguished Indian women.djvu/10

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PREFACE.

custom would have lost their more lovable characteristics in the struggle; but one rises from the perusal of each one of these biographies with as much affection for the woman as admiration for the student.

But besides the almost dramatic interest of these lives, Mrs. Chapman's little volume is full of information, and her descriptions of the childhood of her different "distinguished women," and of the circumstances of their families and the religions of their parents, are not the least admirable part of her work; while, in her Introduction, she gives a short and most instructive account of questions affecting the welfare of Indian women, and of the various efforts made to improve their condition.

I am sure this little book will be read with interest by everyone who takes it up; while to all those who have thought of Indian women, or who have worked for their welfare in any way, it will come as a message of hope and encouragement, and, as such, will give them unmitigated pleasure.

HARRIOT DUFFERIN AND AVA.