“Mrs. Gaskell through all the toils and excitements of authorship
remained a true woman in the sweetest and worthiest meaning of the name.
In all the ordinary relations of life she was admirable, neglecting no
social or domestic duty, shrinking from every attempt to lionise her, and
charming no less by her personal attractions and the grace of her manner,
than by the sweetness of her disposition.” (_The Masters of Victorian
Literature._)