“We were struck in reading her various volumes with this fact—that there
is really less in them than there is in most other authors which she
herself could wish to be altered. In fact, there is no purer author in
modern times. And what has she lost by being pure? Has she failed to give
a fair representation of any class of human beings whom she professes
to depict? Not one; and her work stands now as an excellent model for
those who would avoid the tendencies of the sensuous school, and would
seek another basis upon which to acquire a reputation which should have
some chances of durability. The author of _Wives and Daughters_ will
never cease to hold a high place in our regard. Could she do so we should
despair for the future of fiction in England. Hers was one of those
spirits which led the way to a purer day.” (_Cornhill Magazine, February,
1874._)