The Elizabeth Gaskell Journal: Digital Edition

Dedication

GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. dedicates her diary to her firstborn daughter, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., who was born September 12, 1834. At the time of GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s death, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was yet unmarried. She later married and had several children; the diary has been handed down through MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s descendants, and is currently the property of Mrs. Sarah Prince, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s great-great granddaughter.

Back to Top Brotherton: To my dear little (photo facsimile page 1)

Page 1

1. To my dear little MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. I shall dedicate
2. this book, which, if I should not live to give
3. it her myself, will I trust be reserved for her
4. as a token of her mother's love, and extreme
5. anxiety in the formation of her little
6. daughter's character. If that little daughter
7. should in time become a mother herself,
8. she may take an interest in the experience
9. of another; and at any rate she will
10. perhaps like to become acquainted with
11. her character in it'sits earliest form. I
12. wish that (if ever she sees this) I could
13. give her the slightest idea of the love
14. and the hope that is bound up in
15. her. The love which passeth every earth=
16. =ly love, and the hope that however we
17. may be separated on earth, we may
18. each of us so behave while sojourning here
19. that we may meet again to renew the
20. dear & tender tie of Mother and Daughter.

Entry 1

March 10, 1835

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 6 months

Elapsed Time: Not applicable

Length of Entry: 10 handwritten pages

In this first entry, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. devotes a lengthy portion of her narrative (3 full pages) to writing about her own maternal choices - in this case, particularly her plans for handling common parenting concerns, including bedtimes, how to respond to cries and demands, and developmental milestones like learning to walk. This keen awareness of motherhood is marked by self-doubt and an equally pronounced sense of self-judgment stemming from Victorian assumptions about maternal duty. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. uses the diary as a means to check her own maternal behaviors, writing: though I keep laying down rules, I fear I have not sufficiently attended to them, though I hope I have been conscientious hitherto in discharging my duty to her. These rules draw in part on educational treatises of the day; in this entry she cites a text by the French authoress Madame Necker DeSaussureAlbertine Necker de Saussure was a Swiss woman of letters, most well known for her L’Education progressive. She was related through her botanist husband to Germaine de Staël.. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s conclusions, however, are more rigid for herself than for MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.. While insisting that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. not be pressured into walking or learning anything before she is ready, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. repeatedly reinforces her commitment to her own duty to raise MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. according to strict principles, such as telling her nothing but the absolute truth and selflessly placing her own needs after those of her daughter.

The dedication itself, where GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. hopes the diary will be reserved for [MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.] as a token of her mother’s love and extreme anxiety in the formation of her little daughter’s character, demonstrates even at the outset the depth of introspection that GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. associates with the diary form, and with this manuscript in particular. Although undertaken to record MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s character in it’s earliest form, the diary is ostensibly also a record of Gaskell’s own maternal anxieties, and in being so, it is also suggests her fears of maternal mortality, which echo as an underlying theme throughout the diary, both in her repeated fears of loss and in her inclusion of prayers for her daughters’ safety. The brief God bless her that closes this entry marks a tendency to conclude her entries with prayers for her daughters’ health and safety that continues throughout the diary. At all times, the relationship between mother and daughters is colored by a pervasive fear of death.

GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s first entry is slightly over ten handwritten pages, and was likely written on the same date as the dedication; the handwriting is similar in size, saturation and ink color. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. appears to have often written in the evenings when her children were in bed; this and several other entries indicate evening in the dateline. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. writes in this entry about MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s bedtime routine; she was laid down awake, at 6pm every evening, and since the entry concludes with a comment about listening to MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s restful breathing during the time of writing, it seems likely that this entry was written sometime after 6 pm.

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Brotherton: March 10th (photo facsimile page 2)

Page 2 March 10.th Tuesday Evening. 1835.

21. The day after tomorrow MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. will be
22. six months old. I wish I had begun my
23. little journal sooner, for (though I should
24. have laughed at the idea twelve months
25. ago) there have been many little indica=
26. =tions of disposition &c. already; which I
27. can not now remember clearly. I will
28. try and describe her mentally. I should
29. call her remarkably good-tempered; though
30. at times she gives way to little bursts
31. of passion or perhaps impatience would
32. be the right name. She is also very firm
33. in her own little way occasionally; what
34. I suppose is obstinacy really, only that
35. is so hard a word to apply to one so
36. dear. But in general she is so good
37. that I feel as if I could hardly be
38. sufficiently thankful, that the materials
39. put into my hands are so excellent, and Brotherton: beautiful. And yet it (photo facsimile page 3) Page 3
40. beautiful. And yet it seems to increase
41. the responsibility. If I should misguide
42. from careleſssness or negligence! WilfullyWillfully
43. is not in a mother's heart. From ignorance
44. and errors in judgment I know I may,
45. and probably shall, very often. But oh LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.
46. I pray thee to lead me right (if it be thy
47. will) and to preserve in me the same
48. strong feeling of my responsibility which I
49. now feel. And you too my dearest little
50. girl, if when you read this, you trace
51. back any evil, or unhappy feeling to
52. my mismanagement in your childhood
53. forgive me, love!

54. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is now becoming every day
55. more and more interesting. She looks at
56. and tries to take hold of every thing. She
57. has pretty good ideas of distance and does
58. not try to catch sunbeams now, as she Brotherton: did two months ago (photo facsimile page 4) Page 4
59. did two months ago. Her sense of sight
60. is much improved lately in seeing objects
61. at a distance, and distinguishing them.
62. For instance I had her in my arms today
63. in the drawing room, and her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds.
64. was going out of the gate; and she evi=
65. =dently knew him; smiled and kicked.
66. She begins to show a decided preference
67. to those she likes; she puts out her little
68. arms to come to me, and would I
69. am sure, do so to her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. . She catches
70. the expression of a countenance
71. to which she is accustomed directly;
72. when we laugh, she laughs; and when
73. I look attentive to WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. 's reading,
74. it is quite ridiculous to see her little
75. face of gravity, and earnestness, as if
76. she understood every word. I try always
77. to let her look at any thing which at=
78. =tracts her notice as long as she will1Note: (Resp:#mjk) This "will" clearly shows Gaskell's usual habit of writing "ll" with the second "l" significantly shorter than the first. This happens also in the name "William" about six lines earlier. Gaskell often writes double ts ("tt") with a similar difference in height, the first taller than the second. An example can be seen in "attention" at the end of the first paragraph on the following page. Brotherton: and when I see (photo facsimile page 5) Page 5
79. and when I see her looking very intently
80. at any thinganything, I take her to it, and let
81. her exercise all her senses upon it-even
82. to tasting, if I am sure it can do her
83. no harm. My object is to give her a
84. habit of fixing her attention.

85. She takes great delight in motion just
86. at present; dancing, jumping, shutting
87. and opening the hand pleases her very
88. much. I had no idea children
89. at her age, made such continued
90. noises; she shouts, and murmurs, and
91. talks in her way, just like conversa=
92. =tion, varying her tones &c. I wish
93. we could know what is passing
94. in her little mind. She likes any=
95. =thing like singing, but seems afraid
96. of the piano; today she even began
97. to cry, when I began to play.

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98. In general, I think she is remarkably
99. free from fear or shyness of any sort.
100. She goes to any oneanyone who will take her,
101. staring at strangers to be sure, and being
102. very grave while they are in the room,
103. but not crying, or clinging to me. I am
104. very glad of this, as though it is very
105. flattering and endearing to me, yet
106. I should be sorry if she were to get the
107. habit of refusing to go to others.

108. Then as to her bodily qualifications.
109. She has had two teeth cut with very little
110. trouble; but I believe the worst are
111. to come. She is very strong in her
112. limbs, though because she is so fat, we
113. do not let her use her anclesankles at all,
114. and I hope she will be rather late in
115. walking that her little legs may be
116. very firm. I shall find it difficult to
117. damp the energies of the servants in
118. this respect, but I intend that she shall
119. teach herself to walk, & receive no assist= Brotherton: ance from hands (photo facsimile page 7) Page 7
120. ance from hands &c. She lies down on the
121. floor a good deal, and kicks about; a
122. practice I began very early, and which
123. has done her a great deal of good.

124. She goes to bed awake; another practice
125. I began early, and which is so comfort
126. =able I wonder it is not more generally
127. adopted. Once or twice we have had
128. grand cryings, which have been very
129. very distressing to me; but when I
130. have convinced myself that she is not
131. in pain, is perfectly well, and that she
132. is only wanting to be taken up I have
133. been quite firm, though I have some=
134. =times cried almost as much as she
135. has. I never leave her till she is as=
136. =leep (except in extreme cases) and as
137. she is put to bed at a regular time
138. (6 o'clock) she generally gets very sleepy Brotherton: while being undressed (photo facsimile page 8) Page 8
139. while being undressed. While the un=
140. =dreſssing is going on, I never like her
141. to be talked to, played with, or excited
142. yet sometimes she is so very playful
143. when she ought to be put down, that
144. a turn or two up and down the room
145. is required to soothe her, still putting
146. her down awake. Sometimes she will
147. cry a little, and when I turn her over
148. in her cot she fancies she is going
149. to be taken up and is still in a moment
150. making the peculiar little triumphing
151. noise she always does when she is
152. pleased.

153. Crying has been a great difficulty
154. with me. Books do so differ. One says
155. Do not let them have any thinganything they
156. cry for2Note: (Resp:#mjk) This source has not been identified., another (Mme Necker de Saus
157. =sureAlbertine Necker de Saussure was a Swiss woman of letters, most well known for her L’Education progressive. She was related through her botanist husband to Germaine de Staël., sur L'Education Progressive3Note: (Resp:#mjk) L’Education Progressive; ou, etude sur la cours de la vie was published in England in several volumes between 1829 and 1838. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. must have been reading the original French; an English translation was not printed in England until 1838. Mme Necker de SaussureAlbertine Necker de Saussure was a Swiss woman of letters, most well known for her L’Education progressive. She was related through her botanist husband to Germaine de Staël. was a Swiss woman of letters known primarily for this text. The quotation included here (“les larmes des enfans sont si amère, la calme parfaite de l’âme leur est si necessaire qu’il faut surtout epargner des larmes”) is translated “The tears of infants are so bitter, the perfect calm of the soul is so necessary to them, that it is necessary especially to spare them tears.” (Translation by Melissa Klamer, 2019) , the
158. nicest book I have read on the subject Brotherton: says "les larmes (photo facsimile page 9) Page 9
159. says les larmes des enfans sont si a=
160. =mires, la calme parfaite de l'âme leur4Note: (Resp:#mjk) The last word of this line is unclear. My transcription of "leur" is drawn from J.A.V. Chapple's and Anita Wilson's work in their 1996 edition of the journal.
161. est si neccessaire qu'il faut surtout a=
162. =parquer des larmes. So I had to
163. make a rule for myself, and though
164. I am afraid I have not kept to it
165. quite as I ought, I still think it a
166. good one. We must consider that a
167. cry is a child's only language for
168. expressing its wants. It is its little way
169. of saying, I am hungry, I am very
170. cold, and so, I don't think we should
171. carry out the maxim of never letting
172. a child have any thinganything for crying.
173. If it is to have the object for which
174. it is crying I would give it, it, di=
175. =rectly, giving up any little occupation
176. or purpose of my own, rather than
177. try its patience unnecessarily. But Brotherton: if it is improper (photo facsimile page 10) Page 10
178. if it is improper for it to obtain the
179. object, I think it right to withhold it
180. steadily, however much the little creature
181. may cry. I think after one or two attempts
182. to conquer by crying the child would be
183. come aware that one cry or indication
184. of a want was sufficient, and I think
185. the habit of crying would be broken.
186. I am almost sure even my partial
187. adherence to this plan has prevented
188. many crying fits with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants..
189. I have somewhere read that a child
190. gets bad habits, first by being irritated
191. and then by finding that crying causes
192. the irritation to cease. I think this
193. is very true. I think it is the duty
194. of every mother to sacrifice a good
195. deal rather than have her child unne
196. =cessarily irritated by any thinganything - food
197. given irregularly or improperly, dress
198. uncomfortable, even to an uneasy position.
199. I think this rule should be attended to Brotherton: but though I keep (photo facsimile page 11) Page 11
200. But though I keep laying down rules, I
201. fear I have not sufficienlty attended to them,
202. though I hope I have been conscientious
203. hitherto in discharging my duty to her. Still
204. I sometimes fear there is too much pride
205. in my own heart in attributing her good=
206. =ness to the success of my plans, when in
207. reality it is owing to her having hitherto had
208. such good health, and freedom from pain
209. a bleſssing for which I can notcannot be too thank=
210. =ful.Still I put down every thingeverything now be=
211. =cause I have thought a good deal about
212. the formation of any little plans, and I
213. shall like to know their success. I want
214. to act on principles now which can be carried
215. on through the whole of her education.
216. I have written a great deal tonight, and
217. very unconnectedly. I had no idea the
218. journal of my own disposition, & Brotherton: feelings was so intimately (photo facsimile page 12) Page 12
219. feelings was so intimately connected with
220. that of my little baby, whose regular brea=
221. =thing has been the music of my thoughts
222. all the time I have been writing. GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.,
223. bless her.

Entry 2

August 4, 1835

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 11 months

Elapsed Time: Six months since the previous entry

Length of Entry: Seven handwritten pages

The second entry follows the pattern GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. established at the outset of simultaneously celebrating MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s accomplishments and fearing her loss. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. has carefully delineated her objectives for raising MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., many of which emphasize allowing her to develop and learn at her own pace. To this end, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. recounts that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. recognizes many words and individuals, but does not walk or talk. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. also continues with the theme of maternal responsibility, her asserting rules that she tr[ies] to attend to & make the servants attend to. The cheerful mood that begins the entry fades as GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. reflects on an attack of croup from which MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. has recently recovered. She recounts her fear of losing her daughter, which was no doubt strengthened by the memory of the stillbirth of her firstborn daughter fourteen months before MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s birth. 5Note: (Resp:#mjk) The stillbirth occurred in July of 1833; at the time of this entry it had been just over two years since this loss. The fear is quite poignant for GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist., and she copies a portion of a poem by Caroline BowlesBowles was a poet and author who wrote frequently for Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine. Her poem "To A Dying Infant" is quoted by Gaskell in the second entry of the journal. Bowles married poet Robert Southey in 1839 (she was 52), after a nearly 20 year correspondence. He died three years later., To A Dying Infant, which was frequently used as a Victorian epitaph. The entry includes a prayer of thankfulness that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was spared, which falls in this case mid-entry.

This is the only entry in the diary to have a significant portion of the text missing. The top third of the second page has been removed, presumably cut because the edge of the remaining page is smooth. The second page [recto] shows marks where a small 2-3 fragment of the page is still attached to the binding of the codex. Given the typical spacing of GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s handwritten lines, her habit of noting words broken across the lines with equal signs, and the number and placement of the extant marks on the fragment, we can assume that approximately six lines of text are missing on the recto side of the page, and 5-6 lines on the verso. We can surmise that the all of the text on the surrounding pages, together with the section that remains from the lower section of the page, are all fragments of the second diary entry, and that the lost sections did not include the start or endpoint of another diary entry. This is clear because the following (third) entry, dated October fourth 1835, begins, I see it is exactly two months since I last wrote in this book, which indicates that this second entry, dated August 4th, is the one immediately preceding it.

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August 4th. Tuesday Evening. 1835.

224. It seems a very long time since I have
225. written anything about my little darling,
226. and I feel as if I had been negligent
227. about it, only it is so difficult to know
228. where to begin or where to stop when talking
229. thinking or writing about her.

230. In a few days she will be eleven months
231. old; and in some things I suppose she is
232. rather backward; in walking and talking
233. for instance. I fancy she says MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.,
234. but I think it is only fancy. She can
235. stand pretty steadily, taking hold of some=
236. =thing, for a few minutes and then she
237. pops down. But as I am not very
238. anxious for her to walk or talk earlier Brotherton: than her nature prompts (photo facsimile page 13) Page 13
239. than her nature prompts, and as her
240. Papa thinks the same, we allow her to
241. take her own way.

242. She has various little accomplishments
243. of her own, clapping hands, shaking
244. hands, which are very pretty, though I
245. sometimes fear we rather try to
246. make her exhibit too much to strangers. We
247. must take care of this as she grows older.
248. She understands many words & sentences
249. Where are the cows, the flies &c &c &c.
250. I am very much afraid of her catch=
251. =ing croſss or angry expreſssions of countenance
252. or even one that is not quite happy -
253. I find her own changes so directly
254. to the expreſssion she sees. If weI6Note: (Resp:#mjk) Wilson and Chapple note this word as we, changed from I. On close inspection of the manuscript, however, it is apparent that the strikethrough, which Gaskell usually writes as a horizontally squiggly line, is passing through we. I have chosen to transcribe the word "we", as did Joanne Shattock in her 2006 edition. This change is consistent with Gaskell’s writing throughout the journal; she critiques herself frequently, and comments on the responsibility which weighs heavily on her as a mother. Changing the pronoun to “we” would have been an uncharacteristically public gesture, given the context in which it occurs. could
255. but consider a child properly, what
256. a beautiful safe-guard from evil would
257. it'sits presence be. Oh! I do hope & intend

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258.
259. 7Note: (Resp:#mjk) The top third of the second leaf of this entry has been cut away, but the beginning of two lines of text remain. The first contains a small mark that may be the upstroke to a letter. A subsequent line contains an equal sign, Gaskell's characteristic mark for a word which has been split across the line, followed by one stroke of a letter. Taken together, and compared to her usual handwriting size, these marks seem to indicate that approximately six lines of text existed on the cut away portion of the page, and are missing here. See headnote for this entry.
260. how all a woman's life, at least so it
261. seems to me now, ought to have a refe=
262. =rence to the period when she will be ful=
263. =filling one of her greatest & highest
264. duties, those of a mother. I feel myself
265. so unknowing, so doubtful about many
266. things in her intellectual & moral
267. treatment already, and what shall I
268. be when she grows older, & asks those
269. puzzling qustions that children do?
270. I hope I shall always preserve my
271. present good intentions & sense of my
272. holy trust, and then I must pray, to be
273. forgiven for my errors, & led into a better
274. course.

Page 15

275. 8Note: (Resp:#mjk) The top third of the second leaf of this entry has been cut away. It is unclear how many lines of text may be missing, as no portions of text remain in the margin. See headnote for this entry.
276. afraid of pleasure being aſssociated with
277. the faces of pain they pull. Perhaps this
278. is foolish but I will put every thing down
279. relating to her.

280. She has been to KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb. and Warring
281. tonWarrington was the home of William Gaskell’s family, who were Dissenters. His widowed mother lived there with her second husband, Edward Dimock, who was also a Unitarian minister at Sankey Street Chapel in Warrington. since I last wrote in this journal.
282. And oh! after her visit to WarringtonWarrington was the home of William Gaskell’s family, who were Dissenters. His widowed mother lived there with her second husband, Edward Dimock, who was also a Unitarian minister at Sankey Street Chapel in Warrington.
283. she was very very ill; and I was very
284. much afraid we should have lost her.
285. I did so try to be resigned; but I cannot
286. tell how I sickened at my heart, at
287. the thought of seeing her no more here.
288. 9Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell quotes, without attribution, from the eleventh stanza of To A Dying Infant, a poem written by Caroline Bowles (later Southey), which was originally published in “Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine” in 1821, frequently reprinted, and often used as an epitaph in the period. Gaskell has changed the pronouns; in the original, the infant is male. See headnote to this entry for information on Caroline Bowles.

Her empty crib to see

Her silent nursery,

Once gladsome with her mirth

Page 16

289. I am sometimes afraid of using expreſssions
290. of gratitude to GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs., for fear I should get
291. into the habit of using them without
292. sufficiently feeling them, but I think there
293. is no danger when I say that I bleſss & thank
294. my FatherGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs., & hers, for not taking away the
295. bleſssing he gave; and oh! may I not make
296. her into an idol, but strive to prepare both
297. her & myself for the change that may
298. come any day.

299. After her illneſss her temper had suffered
300. from the indulgence that was neceſssary
301. during her illneſss; but as she grew strong
302. it wore away, and I think she is now
303. as sweet-tempered as ever in general; though
304. at times her little paſssions are terrible
305. and give me quite a heavy heart.

306. I should say impatience will be one
307. of her greatest faults; and I scarecely
308. knowsknow the best way of managing it.
309. I certainly think being calm oneself &
310. showing that her impatience makes Brotherton: no difference in the (photo facsimile page 17) Page 17
311. no difference in the quickneſss or slowneſss
312. of her actions, and never disappointing
313. her when unneceſssary are good rules;
314. but then in every little case it is so diffi
315. =cult for an undecided person like me to
316. determine at once, and yet every body
317. & every book says that decision is of
318. such consequence to the comfort & conse=
319. =quently to the temper of a child; & that
320. it is almost better for the time, to go
321. on with a treatment that is not bad,
322. rather than by changing to a better, let
323. the child see your wavering. I only
324. mean for the time. I must take care
325. to have presence of mind to remark
326. & adopt the better method every future
327. occasion.

328. There is another thing I try to attend to
329. & make the servants attend to; never Brotherton: by way of distracting (photo facsimile page 18) Page 18
330. by way of distracting her attention to call
331. it to a thing that is not there, and never
332. to promise her any thing unconditionally
333. without performing it.

334. Of course she now knows all those whom
335. she is in the habit of seeing. I do not
336. think she is remarkably shy, although
337. more so than she was. But certainly
338. most people take children in such a
339. brusque injudicious mannter that no
340. wonder they are often shy.

341. And now I shall conclude tonight, &
342. I do not intend to be so long again
343. without writing about my dear little
344. girlThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants..

Page 19

Entry 3

October 4, 1835

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 13 months

Elapsed Time: Two months since previous entry

Length of Entry:

At the time she wrote this entry, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was the same age that GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. herself had been when she lost her own mother. The entry is preoccupied with GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s observations and decisions related to MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s physical health. She introduces her belief that in children, every change of temper might be deduced from some corresponding change in the body. She cites CombeAuthor, scientist. Combe was a Physician/Phrenologist, who established the Phrenological Journal with his brother and others. He was also the President of Edinburgh Phrenological Society in 1827. Gaskell quotes his Physiology applied to Health and Education (1834), which was a bestseller. ’s Physiology as one source of this conviction and describes in detail MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s temperament. In addition to offering examples of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s self-government and her improvement in patience, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. also lays out again her mother-rules for raising MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.. Due to MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s fragility, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. plans to dress her warmly and keep her indoors during the winter, and she has stopped feeding MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. milk, believing that thickened broth is a more strengthening food. The entry concludes with a lengthy prayer asking not only for MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s health, but for GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s own strength in the event that she should lose her only daughter.

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Sunday Evening August10Note: (Resp:#mjk) The struck through word here appears to be "August". Gaskell's first line of the entry notes that she had looked back to see how long it had been since her previous entry, which was in August. It is probable that she mistakenly wrote down "August" here and then corrected the mistake. October 4 1835

345. I see it is exactly two months since I
346. last wrote in this book, and I hope
347. my little girl is improved both in
348. body & mind since then. She suffers
349. a good deal from the changes of wea=
350. =ther we have had, and I have found
351. it neceſssary to leave off milk as an
352. article of diet at present. She lives on
353. broth thickened with arrowroot11Note: (Resp:#mjk) Arrowroot, a type of starch used as a flavorless substitute for cornstarch, in this case, to thicken Marianne’s broth. From this point forward in the journal, descriptions of Marianne's dietary needs and habits frequently appear alongside descriptions of her physical health., &
354. I think this food strengthens her, but
355. she is still a delicate child, and back=
356. =ward in walking. I hope she will
357. not be hurried by any oneanyone in her
358. attempts at trotting about, for the more
359. I see and hear of children the more
360. I am convinced that when they
361. feel their limbs strong enough to
362. begin to walk they will constantly
363. be trying their powers, & that till Brotherton: nature prompts this (photo facsimile page 20) Page 20
364. nature prompts this, it is worse than
365. useleſss to force them to their feet.

366. She is I believe a small child of her
367. age, though tall, and she has looked
368. (& been too, alas!) very delicate since
369. that sad, sad illneſss in the summer.
370. I am going to clothe her in flannel
371. waistcoats, and long sleeves to her frocks
372. this winter, and to keep her in well=
373. =aired rooms in preference to going
374. much out of doors unleſss the weather
375. is very tempting. She has now had
376. eight teeth for some time, and is
377. about some more I fancy; perhaps
378. when her teeth are all through her
379. health may be stronger. Oh may I
380. try not to fasten & centrecenter my affections
381. too strongly on such a frail little
382. treasure, but all my anxiety though
383. it renders me so aware of her fragility
384. of life makes me cling daily more &
385. more to her.

Page 21

386. I think her disposition has im=
387. =proved since I wrote last; she is
388. not so impatient(perhaps it was
389. the remains of her former illneſss.)
390. she does not throw herself back in
391. the paſssionate way way she used to do
392. seven or eight weeks ago, and she
393. bears her little disappointments better.
394. The fewer she can have of these, & the better
395. I think, and I try to avoid exci=
396. =ting her expectations, even when they
397. are pretty certain of being gratified,
398. for the excitement (which is always
399. so great in a child) is injurious, &
400. produces a degree of impatience.
401. There are & always will be enowenough of disap=
402. =pointments to enure a child to bearing
403. them, and they will encrease with
404. years and with the power of enduring,
405. & what I mean to say is that all that Brotherton: can be averted (photo facsimile page 22) Page 22
406. can be averted by a little fore-thought
407. on the part of the parent or nurse, with=
408. out interfering with the neceſssary degree
409. of quiet but resolute discipline, should
410. be attended to and removed. I do not
411. like the plan in fashion formerly, of ma=
412. =king trials for young children; there will
413. naturally be some which the child must
414. bear, and the parent calmly witneſss, but
415. creating disappointments on purpose to
416. enure the poor little things to them in
417. after-life seems like giving them rich
418. unsuitable food, which grown up people
419. may & do eat, but which their delicate
420. stomachs cannot yet digest. When
421. young their feelings, especially those un=
422. =der the direct control of the senses are
423. so acute, which the powers which will
424. eventually it is to be hoped, control their
425. feelings are in a dormant state.
426. It is quite astonishing to see the diffe=
427. rence bodily feelings make in Mari=
428. =anneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.'s temper & powers of endurance. Brotherton: I was in a great measure (photo facsimile page 23) Page 23
429. I was in a great measure prepared for this
430. by CombeAuthor, scientist. Combe was a Physician/Phrenologist, who established the Phrenological Journal with his brother and others. He was also the President of Edinburgh Phrenological Society in 1827. Gaskell quotes his Physiology applied to Health and Education (1834), which was a bestseller. 's Physiology, but I had no idea how
431. every change of temper might be deduced
432. from some corresponding change in the body.
433. Mothers are sometimes laughed at for attri=
434. =buting little freaks of temper to teething &c.
435. but I don't think those who laugh at them
436. (I used to be one) have had much to do
437. with children. I do not mean to say that
438. the habit of self control may not be given
439. and that at a very early age, but I think
440. that with certain states of the body, feelings
441. will exist which ought to be controlled,
442. and that every thing physical tending
443. to produce those peculiar states of the body
444. should be avoided, with as much care as
445. we would avoid anything moral tending
446. to produce moral will. I wish I could
447. act more upon this conviction myself;
448. want of sleep invariably brings on an irritable
449. state of excitement; and want of food,
450. though I may not have the sensation of
451. hunger, has in general the same effect. Brotherton: I should describe Marianne (photo facsimile page 24) Page 24
452. I should describe MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. as a child
453. with whom excitement should be particularly
454. avoided; and yet it is a very tempting
455. thing to see the little cheek flush, & the eye
456. dilate, and the childish lip look so eloquent.

457. She is very much tired & consequently more
458. irritable after a certain degree of play, & novelty12Note: (Resp:#mjk) The word "novelty" wraps downward diagonally at the edge of the page, and the initial "n" is very unclear. The transcription of the word "novelty" is supplied here after consultation of previous editions by J.A.V. Chapple / Anita Wilson and Joanne Shattock.
459. and besides her sensibilities seem to me very
460. acute. If she sees others laughing when she is
461. grave & serious, or is not aware of the joke; she
462. bursts into tears; I fancy it must a want
463. of sympathy with her (at the time) serious
464. & thoughtful feelings which makes her cry,
465. but it must be a morbid feeling I should
466. think, & one that for her happineſss had
467. better be checked, if I but knew how.
468. Then unexpected pleasure has occasionally
469. made her cry; seeing her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. after an
470. absence of a few days; and I thought tears
471. were not a common manifestation of joy
472. in children (so young, not 13 months old yet.) 13Note: (Resp:#mjk) The closing parentheses are missing in the manuscript here; they have been supplied by the editor.
473. I feel very ignorant of the best way of ma=
474. =naging their sensibilities, so beautiful when
475. healthy, & so distreſssing when morbid. Brotherton: Perhaps as her body (photo facsimile page 25) Page 25
476. Perhaps as her body becomes stronger, her mind
477. will too. There is a laugh of hers which is al=
478. =most sure to end in a cry. She is in general
479. very gentle, rather grave especially with stran=
480. =gers, and remarkably observing, watching
481. actions, things &c. with such continued attention.
482. She is very feminine I think in her quietneſss
483. which is as far removed from inactivity of
484. mind as possible. She sits on the ground
485. much more than she did, amusing herself
486. pretty well(this amusing herself, has been
487. I fear more my theory than my practice,
488. otherwise she would try longer to reach
489. her play thingsplaythings herself &c., but this may be
490. bodily inability.

491. Her accomplishments are numerous
492. and varied;- barking like a dog, meowing,
493. in a way, kiſssing, pointing to various
494. articles when named &c &c &c.

495. WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. told me the other day I was not
496. of a jealous disposition; I do not think Brotherton: he knows me; in general (photo facsimile page 26) Page 26
497. he knows me; in general MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. prefers
498. being with me I hope & think, yet at times
499. she shows a marked preference for BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth.,
500. who has always been as far as I can judge
501. a kind, judicious, and tender nurse. To
502. =night MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was sadly tired, and I
503. would fain have careſssed & soothed her while
504. BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth. was performing various little offices for
505. her on her knee, and M.A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. absolutely pushed
506. me away, fearing I should take her. This was
507. hard to bear; but I am almost sure I have
508. never shown this feeling to any one; for I
509. believe BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth. fully deserves and returns her
510. love, & having more bodily strength can amuse
511. her more than I can in different ways.
512. There will come a time when she will know
513. how a mother's love exceeds all others; &
514. meanwhile, I will try never to put myself in
515. rivalry with another for my child's affections
516. but to encourage every good & grateful feeling
517. on her part towards every one; and particularly
518. towards a faithful & affectionate servant.
519. I have been much gratified these few
520. days past by the beginning of self restraint Brotherton: in the little creature; (photo facsimile page 27) Page 27
521. in the little creature; she has sometimes
522. been washed in water either too hot or too
523. cold, and taken a dislike to it. this week
524. past I have in general got up to wash
525. her myself, or see by the thermometer that
526. the water was the right heat (from 85 to 90.)
527. and BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth., and I have tried to distract her
528. attention & prevent her crying; this last two
529. days she has tried hard to prevent herself
530. from crying, giving gulps & strains to keep
531. it down. Oh may this indeed be the begin=
532. =ning of self government!

533. LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.! Unto thee do I commit this darling
534. precious treasure; thou knowest how I love
535. her; I pray that I may not make her too
536. much my idol, and oh! if thoug shouldst
537. call her away from the evil to come may
538. I try to yield her up to him who gave her
539. to me without a murmur - I hope I may
540. say thou also knowest how truly I wish to
541. do my duty to her; Help my ignorance. O LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.
542. strengthen my good purposes, & preserve Brotherton: a due sense of my holy trust (photo facsimile page 28) Page 28
543. a due sense of my holy trust, which I now
544. acknowledge with fear & trembling; And yet
545. if I do right in endeavouring, thou LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.
546. will bleſss me and her, and lead her right
547. at last, and forgive her motherElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.'s errors. I pray
548. thee to bleſss her through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Entry 4

December 28, 1835

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 15 months

Elapsed Time: Two and a half months since the previous entry.

Length of Entry: Six handwritten pages

GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. continues describing MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s development and her own convictions about parenting in this entry. According to the descriptions given here, the Gaskells were still calling MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. baby. She would be an only child until 1837. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. both celebrates behaviors that she interprets as the beginning of self-government, while also commenting at length on MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s recovery from an illness that is recounted in the previous entry. She mentions throughout MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s personality- that she recognizes family, will share food, rarely cries, etc., and mentions her growing vocabulary and general observation and attentiveness. Throughout the entry, in addition to learning more about MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. - she still does not walk, and is still living on thickened broth, which GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. believes has improved her health - we continue to learn more about GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s maternal instincts. She is deeply self-critical and sets high standards for herself. In the opening of the entry, she criticizes herself for not having written sooner, although it has been only two months since the previous entry. She also claims that she ought not to be negligent in any regard toward her daughter, including in this instance, in writing about her in the journal. Of particular note in this entry is the penultimate sentence, in which GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. writes, I feel weak & exhausted with writing, or I had meant to write more. This admission, in addition to underscoring the duty GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. feels to keep the diary, foregrounds the weight which maternal writing held for GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.. This writing is not merely record keeping or reflection; it is a deeply personal, emotionally invested act which requires energy of the author. Even paper motherhood is taxing. The entry, as many do, ends with a prayer, asking a blessing upon MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., and help for GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. as she fulfils her sense of duty.

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Monday Evening Decr. 28. 1835.

549. My darling little girl! How long it is
550. since I wrote about you. But I have been
551. ill, and perhaps lazy, which I certainly
552. ought not to be in anything concerning
553. you.

554. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is much stronger I trust
555. than when I wrote last, but she has re=
556. =quired a great deal of care, & very
557. nourishing food; isinglaſss14Note: (Resp:#mjk) Isinglass, a gelatin used as a thickening agent, derived from fish. Historically, isinglass had been produced from beluga or sturgeon, which were both expensive to obtain, but in 1795 William Murdoch invented a method to produce Isinglass from British Cod, at a significant savings, increasing its usage. diſssolved in
558. broth &c. With her strength has her
559. good temper returned, which is in ac=
560. =cordance with my theory that when
561. children at any rate, are irritable some=
562. thing is physically the matter with Brotherton: them. When she does become angry (photo facsimile page 29) Page 29
563. them. When she does become angry now, she
564. is easily calmed, and we have begun to try
565. and make her show sorrow - it can be
566. but showing at present; but when she has
567. been angry, we look grave, not angry, &
568. sometimes put our15Note: (Resp:#mjk) One letter is unclear here; it appears to be an accidental mark that was crossed out. hands before our
569. faces, which always attracts her attention,
570. & by so doing stops her little paſssion.
571. She tries to pull in down, & I generally
572. ask her is Baby sorry for having been
573. impatient &c.; which she quite under=
574. =stands, and in general makes her little
575. aſssenting noise, & kiſsses me. She quite
576. understands me when I gently tell
577. her to be patient about anything. Wait
578. a little bit dear little Baby; BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth. will
579. come soon, always makes her still;
580. because for one thing, I have never
581. allowed her to be told any one was
582. going to do anything for her, unleſss Brotherton: they really were (photo facsimile page 30) Page 30
583. they really were, and have tried to
584. speak as truly to her as ever I could -
585. If before BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth. comes with her dinner-
586. or whatever she wants, she again becomes
587. fidgety I again ask her to wait, and
588. show her something to amuse her.

When she is hurt she seldom cries
589. much, and if she does we show her some
590. =thing, a picture a glaſss a book & she
591. directly forgets it. We show our pity as
592. little as we can.

593. She is not greedy though often very
594. hungry; but I think at any time she
595. likes us to have a piece, or a spoonful
596. of whatever she is having, provided we
597. do not take it out of her hand, which
598. we do not attempt to do, as a truthful
599. spirit on her part can notcannot be made
600. by violence, but will come naturally
601. when she sees that we are scrupulous
602. in respecting her little rights.

Page 31

603. A few weeks ago her GrandmamaMargaret Gaskell, later Dimock, was William Gaskell's mother. William (b. 1805) was the oldest of five children: including Samuel (1807), Anne (1808), Margaret (b. 1810, died 1816), Elizabeth (1812), Robert (1814) and John (b. 1816, died 1821). After her first husband's death in 1819, she married Rev. Edward Dimock, who had arrived as the Pastor of Sankey Street Chapel in 1822. sent
604. her some sweet biscuits, and at first
605. I feared she was inclined to be selfish
606. with these luxuries, for she had never tasted
607. any thinganything sweet before. She refused occasion=
608. =ally when we asked for a bit, instead of
609. offering with her own accord, but it wore off
610. and now she gives as freely as ever.

611. She is remarkably good in being content
612. with a refusal, if we do not think any
613. Eatable proper for her. She kiſsses, & points &
614. tries to speak, but does not cry when we
615. say no. I speak in general for of course
616. there are times when she is not so good.
617. Her greatest naughtineſss is in being washed
618. & dreſssed. She cries sadly over the washing
619. which I think must be owing to her
620. having been put in it too cold sometimes.
621. She dislikes finishing her food, and by
622. a16Note: (Resp:#mjk) The "a" appears to be multiple characters here. It is possible that Gaskell began one letter and then changed it. . curious sort of fancy, often refuses Brotherton: the last two or three (photo facsimile page 32) Page 32
623. the last two or three spoonsful through
624. dread of coming to the bottom.

625. I am rather afraid from being the only
626. child, she is a little too dependent on
627. others, for instance if when sitting on
628. the floor a plaything rolls away, she has
629. no idea of scrambling after it, but looks
630. up beseechingly for some one to help her.
631. To be sure she is very weak in her limbs
632. scarcely attempting to walk with two
633. hands, though nearly 16 months.

634. She is extremely fond of her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. , shouting
635. out his name whenever she hears his
636. footsteps, never mistaking it, and dancing
637. with delight when she hears the bell which
638. is a signal for her to come in after din=
639. =ner.

640. She will talk before she walks I think-
641. She can say pretty plainly PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. , dark
642. stir, ship, lamp, book, tea, sweep &c. -
643. leaving poor MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. in the back groundbackground.
644. She is delighted when we stir the fire or Brotherton: make any commotion in the room (photo facsimile page 33) Page 33
645. make any commotion in the room.
646. I am sometimes surprised to find
647. how she understands, & tries to understand
648. what we say amongst ourselves.

649. For instance I was one day speaking of
650. biscuits, but fearing if she understood
651. me, her hopes would be excited, I
652. merely described them as things that
653. were on the breakfast table this morning.
654. (there were none in17Note: (Resp:#mjk) The word "in" is covered by an ink blot, and all but the outstroke of the n is illegible from even a modest reading distance. Upon very close inspection of the manuscript page, the downstrokes of "in" are just visible beneath the ink. the room at the time,
655. when immediately she began to dance
656. in FannyA servant, mentioned in the diary. No other information is known about Fanny.'s arms saying Bis, bis, bis.

657. She is I think a small child, & I fear
658. not a very strong one. We hope to
659. take to her to the sea-side this spring.

660. Oh may I constantly bear in mind
661. the words The LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. hath given, & the
662. LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. hath taken away. Bleſssed be the
663. name of the LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs..18Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell quotes Job 1:21, from the King James Version of the Bible. The verb tenses are slightly altered from "gave" in the original. I feel weak & Brotherton: exhausted with writing (photo facsimile page 34) Page 34
664. exhausted with writing, or I had
665. meant to write more. GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. bleſss my
666. dearest child, and help her mother in
667. her earnest endeavours.

Entry 5

February 7, 1836

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 17 months

Elapsed Time: Five weeks since the previous entry

Length of Entry: Nearly six handwritten pages

Although this is not the last entry in which GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. writes only about MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., it is the last one in which she has only one child. By the date of the following entry, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. was already expecting her second daughter, Margaret Emily (called Meta) The Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. . Six of the eleven journal entries, including this one, are written on Sundays, usually in the evenings. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. opens this entry with a recollection of the sermon text, drawn from the Christmas narrative in Luke, which mentions a mother treasuring memory of her son 19Note: (Resp:) See textual note regarding the placement of this reading in February. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. connects the text with her own maternal practice of actively seeking to remember her children, and specifically credits her diary-keeping practice: I sometimes think I may find this little journal a great help in recalling the memory of my darling child if we should lose her.

After this rather melancholy opening, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. goes on to record MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s development according to her custom: first physical development, and then social and emotional. Between the lines of the text, however, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. has inscribed another record, the record of her own re-reading of the journal. Beyond merely suggesting that rereading the journal would be helpful in the instance of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s death, Gaskell actually rereads her diary while she is living, as indicated by the sentence, I see I have generally begun my journal with describing the bodily progress she has made, and I will keep to the proper order of things. Thus, even in writing the diary itself, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. is prescribing and following maternal rules. The diary too, must follow a carefully planned form in order to be successful. It must be proper.

GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. is on the whole pleased with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s development here, claiming that her personality promises to be affectionate and pleasant, although she bemoans her disobedience. The remaining diary entry emphasizes obedience on two levels: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s disobedience in trying to traverse a gap between two chairs, resulting in a fall, and GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s own disobedience to her perceived higher calling as a mother. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. ends this entry with a rather lengthy prayer element, in which she bemoans the sin that doth so easily beset me, anger, as the rest of the entry would suggest, and prays for help to control herself, particularly for her daughter. She “intends” herself to be patient, just as she intends MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. to be independent, and as in much of the journal, she takes the responsibility herself, though calling on a higher power to support her goals.

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Febry 7th. 1836. 20Note: (Resp:#mjk) The first extant letter contemporaneous to the diary occurs between this and the previous entry, dated May 12, 1836; it was written to Elizabeth GaskellWilliam Gaskell's sister, Lizzy, was one of Gaskell's early correspondents. Most of the extant early letters are written to her. , her sister-in-law, from SandlebridgeThe home of the Holland family, Gaskell's mother's parents. After their deaths, it became the home of her Uncle, Peter Holland, and his family., the home of GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.'s Holland relatives. The letter mentions that GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. had been reading Wordsworth at the time.

668. This morning we heard a sermon from
669. the text And his mother kept all these
670. sayings in her heart.21Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell is quoting from Luke 2:19. The reference is to Mary, the mother of Jesus; Luke 2 contains the most widely referenced Nativity account. Although Christmas is in December, the reading may have appeared in February in conjunction with Candlemas, which occurs on February 2nd. Candlemas is a Feast of the Purification of Mary and also the Presentation of Jesus in the temple (40 days following the birth of a son, the child was brought to the temple and a sacrifice made for purification of the mother). Interestingly, nearly all translations of this text refer to Mary by name, but Gaskell chooses here the term “mother” instead, emphasizing the relationship. She is relating to Mary in her role. Oh! how very, very
671. true it is - and I sometimes think I may
672. find this little journal a great help in
673. recalling the memory of my darling child,
674. if we should lose her.22Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell returns to the theme with which she began the diary, the fear that death will separate her from her daughter. She knew this firsthand, having lost her first daughter due to stillbirth fourteen months before Marianne’s birth. This draws in part from the sermon text earlier in the entry, wherein Mary is treasuring memories of Christ’s childhood in the way that a mother collects memories and experiences, and simultaneously expects it. In the Christmas narratives, one of the gifts of the Magi was myrrh, a fragrance used to annoint the dead, thus prefiguring His death.

675. We have had much cause for thankfulneſss
676. since I wrote last; she has daily improved
677. in health, and I think her character has
678. developed itself a good deal latterly, and
679. promises to be amiable & affectionate.

680. I see I have generally begun my journal
681. with describing the bodily progress she
682. has made, and I will keep to the
683. proper order of things.23Note: (Resp:#mjk) This marks the first clearly identified moment in which Gaskell is rereading the diary, looking back and seeing what she has generally done structurally in her entries, and promising to continue this proper order which she has set for herself.

Page 35

684. She can manage to walk by herself
685. with the aſssistance of chairs, the sofa &c.
686. and the natural consequence of this 24Note: (Resp:#mjk) This word, apparently 3-4 characters in length, has not been identified by previous editors. Clement Shorter in his 1923 edition, and Anita Wilson and J.A.V. Chapple in their 1996 edition, both silently delete this word, presumably because it does not appear to materially alter the meaning of the surrounding text this exercise of the muscles of her legs. It may have been a false start of the word exercise, which was later crossed out. There appears to be a squiggled strikethrough across the letters, a symbol Gaskell uses elsewhere in the journal when she wishes to make a change.
687. exercise of the muscles of her legs, is that
688. they have become more developed & conse=
689. =quently stronger; indeed her whole body
690. bespeaks her a more healthy child. There
691. is that mottled look on the flesh, which
692. gives such joy to a Mother's eye. She has
693. eight single, and four double teeth, and
694. suffers comparatively little when she cuts
695. them. There is loſss of spirits & appetite,
696. but no fits, or even fever, and spirits &
697. appetite come back, & bring their atten=
698. =dant good-humour when the cause
699. is removed. She has a colour like a
700. cherry, instead of the flushed wavering
701. red it used to be; and certainly with
702. health, beauty has come; and I confeſss
703. I think beauty a desirable thing. True Brotherton: like most other gifts (photo facsimile page 36) Page 36
704. like most other gifts, it has its tempta=
705. =tions, but still it is a high gift in the
706. influence it irresistably gives its poſsseſssor
707. over others- an influence which may be
708. used for such noble purposes.

709. In general she is very sweet-tempered;
710. true there are little bursts of paſssion
711. which will require watchfulneſss & care,
712. but she soon s25Note: (Resp:#mjk) This unclear character appears to be an s, accidentally added by Gaskell and consequently crossed out. puts up her finger, and
713. says hush & offers to kiſss the person she
714. has offended against. Another more
715. difficult fault? is her disobedience-
716. She does not seem at present to have
717. an idea of obedience; she is very obliging
718. and will often do the thing we desire
719. her to do, but sometimes she resists very
720. merrily & in good-temper - puzzling
721. me sadly as to the right course to take.
722. For instance when she comes near a
723. great gap between two chairs, I call to
724. her to come back to MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.; she laughs Brotherton: and still goes on; (photo facsimile page 37) Page 37
725. and still goes on; in general I get up
726. and take her up, & set her down at her
727. starting point, when she begins again, quite
728. good-tempered. Once or twice I have let
729. her go on, & she has had a slight tumble
730. which I have tried to tell her was in
731. consequence of disobeying MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.-
732. She is very affectionate; when I am
733. poorly, or whenever she thinks any oneanyone
734. is hurt or sorry, she strokes their faces,
735. saying poor MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist., poor PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. &c-
736. Her qreat delight just now is in make=
737. believe letters; reading her one from
738. Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. , and introducing the names
739. of all the things she knows, such as
740. "flowers, geese &c. 26Note: (Resp:#mjk) The closing quotation marks are missing from the manuscript, and are supplied by the editor here. This and pictures
741. delight her extremely, but certainly
742. she is not so independent as she should
743. be, and as I intended her to be. She
744. has not much idea of amusing herself Brotherton: which has been a great error (photo facsimile page 38) Page 38
745. which has been a great error in her edu=
746. =cation hitherto, probably arising from her
747. delicacy in part. She is remar=
748. =kably fond of children, and I am glad
749. to give her an oppyopportunity of gratifying this
750. fondneſss by taking her this week to stay
751. a day or two at Mrs. CollinsNeighbor of the Gaskells'. No other information known., who has a
752. little girl five or six months younger
753. than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.. She seems to have
754. a good memory, and good natural
755. talents; I hope they may never be neglected
756. through me.

757. LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. thou knowest that the sin that doth
758. so easily beset me27Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell quotes Hebrews 12:1, from the King James translation of the Bible. The original refers to the plural "us"; Gaskell has personalized the reference. hath overtaken me
759. once or twice even with this dear child-
760. but thou knowest too how bitterly I have
761. repented, and how earnestly I mean to
762. try for the future. Help thou my weak=
763. =neſss, oh LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs., and bleſss my endeavours to
764. conquer myself, and oh above all things
765. may her presence be as holy to me,
766. checking each angry word that might Brotherton: injure the precious soul (photo facsimile page 39) Page 39
767. injure the precious soul which thou hast
768. given to this little child. Bleſss her, and bleſss
769. her mother, who in sorrow confeſsses her fault
770. and prays for thy guidance in her future
771. conduct. Oh LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. God Almighty bleſss my
772. child, as thou seest fit & best for her,
773. but may she hear the glad words when
774. her mortal life is done, Well done good
775. & faithful servant, enter thou into the
776. joy of thy LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs..28Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell is quoting from Matthew 25:21, King James Version.

Entry 6

November 5, 1836

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 26 months old; GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. was expecting MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. at the time.

Elapsed Time: Nine months have passed since the last entry.

Length of Entry: Eleven and a half handwritten pages.

The sixth entry foregrounds GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s belief that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s behavior is heavily dependent upon and affected by her physiological status. She follows her established pattern, beginning with a description of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s physical development, followed by her intellectual and moral development. The entry’s physical description surrounds MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s learning to walk, which she did at the late age of 22 months old. According to GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist., upon the advice of Dr. Richard DeaneDr. Richard Thomas Deane, business partner of EG’s oldest uncle, Dr. Peter Holland, of Church House in Knutsford. After his first wife died, he married Susan Holland (1811-1889), Peter Holland’s daughter and Elizabeth Gaskell’s cousin. , a partner in her Uncle Peter HollandPhysician. The eldest son of Gaskell's maternal grandfather, Samuel Holland, of Sandlebridge in Knutsford. Peter Holland was a physician, who served in a practice with Dr. Richard Deane.’s medical practice in KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb., MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was kept from being put on her feet during a summer visit in 1836, when she would have been nearly 21 months old. Following a “violent attack” which the Gaskells treated with a warm bath and a dose of castor oil, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. cut her eye teeth, and subsequently began almost suddenly to walk. The narrative of this milestone step exemplifies GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s attitudes toward development throughout the diary: while eager to see MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s achievements, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. insists on letting her daughters develop at their own pace, and concerns herself primarily with helping MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. to develop habits of perseverance and patience, rather than insisting on her gaining any particular knowledge or skills.

The remainder of the diary entry emphasizes MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s intellectual and moral development; she enjoys stories and chatters often, but GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist., as with walking, intends to wait on formal instruction until MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is over 3 years old. She is pleased with her daughter’s awareness of right and wrong, commenting that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. often talks to herself about being a dood dirl [good girl], and even recording a situation in which she observed an adult engaged in something wrong and told her mother about it. Although she shows evident pleasure in MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s growth, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. again closes the entry with anxious maternal worries. Recalling the unexpected death of an acquaintance’s only child, she concludes with the observation of how very precious may the remembrance of [events recorded in the journal] become, and a prayer for her strength and resignation in the face of possible loss.

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Novr. 5th. 1836.

777. The greater part of this summer has been
778. paſssed in rather an unsettled way, what
779. with visits to KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb., WarringtonWarrington was the home of William Gaskell’s family, who were Dissenters. His widowed mother lived there with her second husband, Edward Dimock, who was also a Unitarian minister at Sankey Street Chapel in Warrington., and to
780. the sea-side, and I fear this is the only ex=
781. =cuse I have for so long neglecting to enter
782. any-thinganything in my journal. A great progreſss
783. has naturally been made by the dear little
784. subject since writing last. I do not think Brotherton: her health has had (photo facsimile page 40) Page 40
785. her health has had any material draw-backdrawback.
786. though for some time her languor in attempt=
787. =ing to walk caused me some uneasineſss.
788. When we were at KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb. (in May) Mr.
789. DeaneDr. Richard Thomas Deane, business partner of EG’s oldest uncle, Dr. Peter Holland, of Church House in Knutsford. After his first wife died, he married Susan Holland (1811-1889), Peter Holland’s daughter and Elizabeth Gaskell’s cousin. quite forbid her being put upon her
790. feet and the consequence of course was that
791. she lost the little idea of walking which she
792. had before. At Prospect HillThe home of Holbrook Gaskell, who married his cousin, William’s paternal aunt, Anne Gaskell. At this point in 1836, both Holbrook and his wife were still living. William Gaskell was left a legacy in their will in 1848/9, and the property itself was inherited by a second Holbrook Gaskell, another nephew. she gained strength
793. though she had one violent attack, (beginning
794. with violent screaming as if in pain), but
795. we put her directly into warm water, &
796. gave her castor oil, sending at the same
797. time for a medical man, who decided
798. that the inflammatory state of her body
799. was owing to her being on the point of
800. cutting her eye-teeth. He said the course
801. I had pursued before he came was decided=
802. =ly the best and safest in all sudden attacks
803. with children. After these said eye-teeeth
804. came through, as to speak very exactly
805. in the beginning of July 1836, when she was Brotherton: two and twenty months old (photo facsimile page 41) Page 41
806. two and twenty months old, she began
807. almost suddenly to walk by herself, and
808. since then her bodily strength has come on
809. very much indeed. For some time, indeed
810. even now we are very careful to comply with
811. her request to be taken up, up, when she is
812. tired of walking, as I think the exercise
813. gives her such a pleasurable feeling, that it
814. must be fatigue and not caprice that leads
815. her to ask to be carried. She is very careful
816. and has a good idea of danger; not like
817. some children who have been forced rather
818. too early to their feet and seem not to be able
819. to measure distances. So much for her
820. feats in the walking line. She has now
821. 16 teeth, and we think she is cutting her
822. back double teeth, but as these give compa=
823. ratively little pain I do not feel anxious
824. about them. I have often intended to mea=
825. =sure her height, but somehow or other it has Brotherton: hitherto slipped through, but from (photo facsimile page 42) Page 42
826. hitherto slipped through; but from her frocks I
827. gueſss she has grown a good deal these last
828. eight weeks, and good need she had of it, for
829. she was a little rolly-polly before.

830. She is a famous chatter-boxchatterbox seldom letting
831. her little tongue rest either with sense or29Note: (Resp:#mjk) This "r" character appears to be written over an "f". non
832. =sense, and it is amusing to hear her talk
833. in this latter fashion, inventing so many new
834. sounds in such varied tones. Her great de=
835. =light is in hearing tories, and little scraps
836. of verse; and I think she shows a pretty
837. good memory in repeating them again.
838. We have not begun yet to teach her any thinganything
839. feeling in no hurry to urge her little capacity
840. forward, and in this we have been in many
841. ways confirmed. We heard the opinion of
842. a medical man lately, who said that till
843. the age of three years or there abouts, the brain
844. of an infant appeared constantly to be verging
845. on inflammation, which any little exceſss of excite=
846. =ment might produce. If we give her habits
847. of observation, attention & perseverance, in Brotherton: whatever objects her little mind (photo facsimile page 43) Page 43
848. whatever objects her little mind may be occu=
849. =pied with, I shall think we are laying a
850. good foundation, and four years old will be
851. time enough to begin with leſssons &c, & even
852. then it shall be in compliance with her own
853. wish to learn, which wish I must try to excite.30Note: (Resp:#mjk) This period is not present in the manuscript and has been editorially supplied.
854. So much for intellect. Now for morals.

855. There have been times when I have felt, oh!
856. so cast down by her wrong-doing, and as I
857. think I am very easily impreſssible, I have
858. fancied there must have been some great
859. mismanagement to produce such little obsti=
860. nate fits, and whole hours of wilfulneſss.

861. I do not however think that this has been
862. often the case, and when it has, my cooler
863. judgement has been aware of some little
864. circumstance connected with her physical
865. state that has in some measure accounted
866. for it. For instance, she, (like her mother) re=
867. =quires a great deal of sleep. She is always Brotherton: in bed, and asleep by seven (photo facsimile page 44) Page 44
868. in bed, and asleep by seven, frequently earlier,
869. and seldom awakens before six at the earliest.
870. Then she requires from two to three hours sleep
871. in the middle of the day, and if by any chance
872. her time for sleep goes by she is weary, fretful
873. and as unlike the merry happy little creature
874. she is in general as poſssible. We have
875. been puzzled for a punishment. The usual
876. one, putting the little offender into a corner
877. had no effect with her, as she made it into
878. a game to dgo31Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell inserts the g directly above the d in the manuscript to indicate that Marianne means to say "go" but is pronouncing it with a "d" instead. In subsequent transcription of her speech, Gaskell simply spells Marianne's words as they sound. into a corner and be naughty
879. little girl; so the last we have tried is
880. putting her into a high chair, from which
881. she cannot get out, and leaving her there
882. (always in the same room with one of us)
883. till some little sign of sorrow is shown.
884. This with grave and sorrowful looks on our
885. part has generally had the desired effect.32Note: (Resp:#mjk) This period is not in the manuscript and has been supplied by the editor for clarity of reading.
886. She often talks to herself about the consequences
887. of her conduct. Baby dood dirl, make
888. PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. and MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. happy. Baby not dood Brotherton: dirl, Papa & Mama so sorry." (photo facsimile page 45) Page 45
889. dirl, PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. & MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. so sorry. &c I think for
890. so young a child she has a pretty correct idea
891. as to whether actions are right or wrong. I've
892. had an instance lately when some onesomeone, in
893. anger did what was decidedly wrong in her
894. presence, without considering how holy that
895. little creature made the place. She took no
896. notice, at the time but the next morning
897. told me of it, adding that was naughty. Though
898. much interested in preserving her love and
899. respect for the person to whom I allude, I
900. knew it was my duty not to weaken her
901. power of discriminating, & said 'it was very
902. naughty, but she was very sorry now &c.'
903. A few weeks ago she got a habit of refusing
904. her food, saying bye-bye &c when a spoon=
905. =ful was offered to her which she did not
906. quite approve. I found the best plan was
907. to take her at her word, and quietly sent
908. the plate away, which at first produed Brotherton: sad fits of crying (photo facsimile page 46) Page 46
909. sad fits of crying, and throwing herself back, but
910. after once or twice she became leſss saucy, and
911. takes her food very pleasantly now. I think
912. she is not a greedy child, whatever her other
913. faults may be. She knows when she has had
914. enough. She gave me a very pretty little instance
915. of unselfishneſss when we were last at KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb.
916. which pleased me very much. We were calling
917. at Mrs. DeaneMary Ann Deane, first wife of Dr. Richard Deane. Edward and Emily were two of their children.s who has two children, one about
918. 9 months older, the other about that much
919. younger than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.. A few comfits
920. were thrown on the carpet, which the youngest
921. child (little EmilyDaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Deane of Knutsford) could hardly manage to
922. pick up. My own dear MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. however
923. did not put one into her own mouth, though
924. as fond of them as could be, but crammed
925. them into little EmilyDaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Deane of Knutsford. It made my heart
926. glad.

927. I am not aware that any promise
928. has been made to her that has not been
929. strictly fulfilled. And the consequence is Brotherton: she has a firm reliance on (photo facsimile page 47) Page 47
930. she has a firm reliance on our word, and a
931. pretty good idea of giving up a present
932. pleasure to secure a future one, feeling
933. sure that the promise will be performed.
934. While at Grange Grange-over-Sands on Morecambe Bay. A seaside visit was recommended for Marianne by her Uncle, Dr. Sam Gaskell. The town, which developed from a fishing village, was originally known as only Grange, until a local vicar added the suffix in the late nineteenth or early 20th century. Grange-over-Sands is located on the north shore of Morecambe Bay, in Cumbria. The area was known for “clean sea air and local spring water” and became a site for a sanitorium later in the century. it was neceſssary for her to
935. bathe, and I dreaded it for her. Luckily
936. her Aunt Ann, a capital bather was with
937. us, and undertook the charge of her, which
938. was so much better than being frightened
939. by being given over to a strange woman in
940. an uncouth dreſss. We made the period of
941. suspense as short as poſssible, undreſssing her
942. directly, and giving her her plunges imme=
943. =diately. I stood on the rocks with a shawl
944. ready to receive her & give her a biscuit, &
945. though she often said while being undreſssed
946. Baby not bathe Mama, we never had any
947. crying or screaming. She has lately
948. had occasion to take one or two doses of Epsom Brotherton: salts, and I have always told (photo facsimile page 48) Page 48
949. salts, and I have always told her before hand
950. they were bad bad, but were to do her good, &
951. she has taken them directly, looking however
952. thoroughly inclined to cry when the cup is taken
953. from her lips, but a biscuit as a reward
954. soon puts a stop to this. Sometimes as a
955. proof of our pleasure we have given her
956. a spunge biscuit, 1/2 a doz comfits, or a bit of
957. pomfret cake, but we try not to make her ex=
958. -pect these things, which are only occasional
959. but to depend for her reward on our pleased
960. countenances and expreſssions, and our
961. willingneſss to play and romp with her.
962. This love of an earthly parent's approbation
963. we hope in time to lead into a higher feeling.

964. A few weeks since she saw the
965. funeral of a young girl in her walk with
966. BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth., and showing in her way some
967. curiosity on the subject, BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth. injudiciously
968. but very naturally told her it was a poor
969. girl that they were going to put into a hole Brotherton: and cover her up with earth (photo facsimile page 49) Page 49
970. and cover her up with earth. This made a
971. great impreſssion on her. Once or twice when
972. she has been awakened in the night, she
973. has so directly referred to it with signs of
974. affright, that we have concluded she has
975. been dreaming of it, and we have done our
976. best to counteract the feelings excited by
977. telling her the girl was very happy, and was
978. gone to bo-bo &c.

979. She is very touching in her sweet little
980. marks of affection. Once or twice when I
981. have seemed unhappy about little things
982. she has come and held up her sweet mouth
983. to be kiſssed. Last night I was in pain, &
984. made a sort of moan. She was lying by
985. me apparently asleep, but as if her gentle
986. instinct of love prompted her even then,
987. she peeped to me, saying Kiſss, Mama.
988. These are trifles but how very precious
989. may the remembrance of them become.

Page 50

990. We yesterday heard of a connection of
991. WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. 's who had just lost his only child
992. a fine lad of nine or ten, by a sudden at=
993. =tack of croup. His father and mother were
994. wrapped in the boy, who had every promise of
995. excellence. Oh! how I trembled when I heard of
996. it, and felt how insecure these treasures in
997. earthen veſssels33Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell is referring to the Bible here, from 2 Corinthians 4:7, which refers to "treasure in earthen vessels." are.

998. Oh God! give me that spirit which can feel
999. and say not my will but thine be done.
1000. Teach me to love this darling chlld with perfect
1001. submiſssion to thy decrees. I dare hardly think
1002. of the uncertain future, but thou wilt uphold
1003. me in time of trial, and into thy hands
1004. I commit my treasure. So with her Oh Lord
1005. as seemeth best unto thee, for thou art a God
1006. of Love & will not causeleſssly afflict. Bleſss her
1007. in every way I earnestly beseech thee, through
1008. Jesus Christ our Lord.

Entry 7

December 9, 1837

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 3 years, 3 months; MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , aged 10 months

Elapsed Time: Thirteen months since the previous entry.

Length of Entry: Twelve handwritten pages

The seventh entry spans twelve handwritten manuscript pages, one of the longest entries in the diary. In this entry GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. introduces two new individuals; her second daughter, Margaret EmilyThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , called Meta, and her maternal aunt, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s adoptive more-than-mother Hannah LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. . Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. was a *widowed woman who raised GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. after her motherGaskell’s mother, fourth daughter and sixth child of Samuel and Anne Holland of Sandlebridge, in Knutsford. Tradition, passed down through narratives of family and friends, holds that only her first (John) and last (Elizabeth) of 8 children survived, though only Elizabeth’s birth is registered. She died when Gaskell was 13 months old.’s death when she was only thirteen months old. Shortly following the birth of MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. suffered a stroke that marked the beginning of her final illness. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. had been staying with her at the time, during her motherElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s confinement, and both GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. and one-month-old MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. traveled to be with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. and Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. early in March until her death in May. These events, MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. ’s birth and Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. ’s death, are alluded to by GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. early in the entry, when she writes that “sad excuses” in some part account for the year-long lapse between this diary entry and the one that preceded it.

Much of the entry is told looking back on the months that have passed between the entries, during which time MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. was born, and Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. passed away. The events were closely connected, in fact; MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. had gone to stay with Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. had a paralytic stroke, and GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. traveled to KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb., with newborn MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. and a servant, Betsy, and remained there in rented rooms with both girls for nearly two months until Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. ’s death on May 1st. A letter, dated 18 March 1837, recounts GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s experience of Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. ’s illness. There is also a second letter, written to Holbrook GaskellA relative who had married William’s paternal aunt, Anne Gaskell. At this point in 1836, both Holbrook and his wife were still living. William Gaskell was left a legacy in their will in 1848/9., tentatively dated in 1837 as MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is the only child mentioned; part of the letter is missing. The letter details plans for the possibility of negotiating a new servant.

The diary entry looks back on these events and comments tenderly on Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. ’s care of both MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. and GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist., and recounts GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s careful management of the situation with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., who was not told that Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. had died. The later part of the entry discusses the differences between the two sisters, commenting that MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , already ten months old, is livelier and physically developing earlier than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., crawling “famously”. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., to GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s pleasure, has a very “acute” conscience, and is becoming “useful and independent,” often willing to share with her sister and generally obedient and cheerful. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , however, is saucy, clever, and not so gentle as her elder sister.

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Brotherton: Dec. 9th 1837 (photo facsimile page 51)

Page 51 Decr. 9th. 1837

1009. I feel quite ashamed to see that more than
1010. a year has paſssed since I last wrote. There have
1011. been some sad excuses to be sure. I had very
1012. bad health till my dear little MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. was born,
1013. February 5th. 1837, and I had hardly recovered
1014. my strength when (March 10th.) I received a sum=
1015. =mons to KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb.. My dearest Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. , my
1016. more than mother had had a paralytic stroke
1017. on Wednesday March 8th.; For eight weeks I re=
1018. =mained in lodgings at KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb., with my two
1019. little girls, and our dear servant BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth.; and on
1020. May 1st. I lost my best friend. May GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. reward
1021. her for all her kindneſss to me.

1022. After that I was much out of health for some time
1023. and went to CrosbyNote incomplete in July. In September WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. Brotherton: and I went into Wales for three weeks (photo facsimile page 52) Page 52
1024. and I went into Wales for three weeks, leaving Mari=
1025. anneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. with Bessy HollandA cousin of Gaskell’s, Bessy was the daughter of Dr. Peter Holland, the oldest son of Gaskell’s grandfather, Samuel Holland, of Sandlebridge in Knutsford. Bessy was a friend of Maria Edgeworth. , and MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. with Mrs.
1026. DeaneMary Ann Deane, first wife of Dr. Richard Deane. Edward and Emily were two of their children.. We have lost our servant BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth., who was
1027. obliged to leave us, being wanted at home, in conse=
1028. =quence of the death of a sister. But we still
1029. keep her as a friend, and she has been to stay
1030. with us several weeks this autumn. Her place
1031. is supplied by ElizabethElizabeth Barlowe who began working for the Gaskells in 1837, after Betsy left their service. Her name appears in the 1841 census records. No other information is known about her. (Thank you to Dr. Diane Duffy at the Gaskell House Museum for the census data). , a clever servant, and who
1032. is very kind to the children especially to little
1033. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. . I have given this little account of the
1034. changes in our domestic relations, that if this
1035. book be given to MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., (as I hope it will be)
1036. after my death she may understand more fully
1037. any thing I may have occasion to allude to.
1038. When my most dearly loved AuntHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. left this house
1039. for the last time, (Janry 15th. 1837.) she took MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.
1040. back with her to KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb.; to stay with her over
1041. the time of my approaching confinement. As
1042. Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. 's eyesight had failed her very much, Brotherton: she was unable to write; so I had (photo facsimile page 53) Page 53
1043. she was unable to write; so I had no particular ac=
1044. counts of my darling; only general news of her health.

1045. But since, I have asked my cousins &c to tell me
1046. all the particulars of the seven weeks that M.AThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. staidstayed
1047. with Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. before she was seized with her last
1048. illneſss. They say, that Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. seemed so very
1049. fond of her little MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.. One day some one met
1050. my AuntHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. out of doors; she had been about an hour
1051. out, and said she was hastening home, for she did
1052. not think she had left M. A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. so long before; The little
1053. girl slept in a cot by Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. 's bed; Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage.
1054. gave her, her breakfast, sitting on her knee, by a win=
1055. =dow, with many loving little jokes between them.
1056. Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. walked out with her, when the wea=
1057. ther permitted. And it was to Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. , that
1058. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. ran when in any little distreſss; and to
1059. her that she always clung.

1060. The very day Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. was seized with her fatal Brotherton: attack, she had been with Marianne (photo facsimile page 54) Page 54
1061. attack, she had been with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. in Mrs
1062. DeaneMary Ann Deane, first wife of Dr. Richard Deane. Edward and Emily were two of their children.'s poneypony-carriage to the Infant schoolThe school has not been identified. Marianne began going to school at 3 1/2 years old. Gaskell writes extensively about the school decision in the eighth journal entry, weighing the arguments on both sides. , and
1063. was so pleased with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.'s pleasure.

1064. That evening about 1/2 past 10, she had a para=
1065. =lytic stroke. M.A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was as usual in her little sofa
1066. bed by Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. 's, and remained there till
1067. morning, when she wanted according to her custom
1068. to come into Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. 's bed. But Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage.
1069. did not heed the little voice that kept petitioning
1070. to be taken in, and when they told her Aunt
1071. LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. was poorly. she kept saying Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage.
1072. tell me if you are poorly. Of course she was
1073. sent to a friend's tilluntil I came.

1074. We were confined to two little bed-rooms in that
1075. unhappy eight weeks, and the little girls could
1076. hardly ever go out. But MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was a good
1077. little comfort, though in such trying circumstances
1078. to a child's temper. Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. asked to see
1079. her, about a week after her first seizure; and
1080. I took MAThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. in. But the room was darkened Brotherton: gloomy, Aunt Lumb had had (photo facsimile page 55) Page 55
1081. gloomy; Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. had had leeches to her head
1082. and it was bound up, almost corpse-like, with
1083. a handkerchief. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was frightened I
1084. think; and I was afraid Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. , though not
1085. herself, and blind, (alas!) perceived it. The next time
1086. she begged to have a night-cap put on, and had
1087. a fig put behind her pillow, and M.A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was recon=
1088. ciled, and played about the room. She went in seve=
1089. =ral times, and her coming always gave Aunt
1090. LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. pleasure. It was such a beautiful spring
1091. morning, that 1st of May, when Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. died;
1092. such a contrast to the dreary weather before.

1093. On the 3rd we all came back to ManchesterAfter her marriage, Gaskell lived in Manchester with her husband William, who was a Unitarian minister there. Although they moved three times, their home remained in Manchester. Manchester was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, and many of Gaskell's novels feature factory workers or the poor, drawing on her observations there. Daughters Meta and Julia, who never married, continued to live at their last home, at Plymouth Grove, until their deaths. The home has now been turned into the Gaskell Home Museum.; and
1094. then I rather began to fear that the long confine=
1095. ment in small rooms had told upon MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.'s
1096. temper, poor darling! She was fretful, and rather
1097. obstinate sometimes. But BetsyBetsy was a servant of the Gaskells, who also appears to have worked as a nurse to the children. She is mentioned early on in the journal in several entries. Shortly after the birth of Meta (Margaret Emily, the Gaskells' second surviving daughter), she was replaced by Elizabeth. was leaving us Brotherton: and a new servant coming, which (photo facsimile page 56) Page 56
1098. and a new servant coming, which I do think is
1099. a trial for a child. It soon wore off with patient; and
1100. gentle treatment from her Aunt ElizaWilliam Gaskell's sister, Lizzy, was one of Gaskell's early correspondents. Most of the extant early letters are written to her. , who was
1101. here at the time, comforting and being of use.
1102. We have never told her that Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. was dead,
1103. fearing that a child's material ideas, might connect
1104. gloom with the idea of one so bleſssed. Gone to the
1105. rest prepared for the People of God! But I often talk
1106. of her, and try to keep alive the recollection of her
1107. love and tenderneſss, and show her Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. 's
1108. picture, that even her bodily appearance (a fit shrine
1109. for so chastened and pure a spirit) may stand
1110. forth clear and distinct among her childish remem=
1111. =brances. One day we were talking, and she said Aunt
1112. LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. was poorly; No, I said, she is well and happy
1113. now. Is she, replied my dear little girl, Oh then
1114. I am so glad; let me go and coax her. And
1115. since she has been at KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb. (in September) Brotherton: she has told me Aunt Lumb did not live with (photo facsimile page 57) Page 57
1116. she has told me Aunt LumbHannah Lumb was the sister of Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson, Elizabeth Gaskell's mother. After Elizabeth Stevenson’s death when Elizabeth was only 13 months old,, Hannah Lumb and her daughter, Marianne, took Gaskell to live with them in Knutsford. Marianne died shortly after, and Gaskell lived with Aunt Lumb until her marrriage. did not live with
1117. Aunt AbAn unmarried sister of Elizabeth Stevenson and Hannah Lumb, Abigail, “Aunt Ab”, lived with two of her brothers’ families (Swinton and Samuel) and taught their children before later moving to Heathside to live with Hannah and Elizabeth now; she had left that house. I longed to
1118. say she was gone to a house not made with hands,
1119. eternal, in the heavens.34Note: (Resp:#mjk) Gaskell quotes 2 Corinthians 5:1, King James Version. But I thought I had better
1120. not, for to her it would have been unintelligible at
1121. present. Before she went to KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb. in September,
1122. she had again a few days of untractableneſss, and obsti=
1123. =nacy. But I think she was very judiciously managed
1124. while there, for she came back a good little darling, so
1125. gentle and loving. Indeed I should say that her
1126. temper was very sweet, and her disposition very
1127. affectionate. Her little conscience too is becoming
1128. very acute and well-judging. I think most of her
1129. faults are of inadvertence (hardly faults;) ex=
1130. =cept now and then when she has a fit of obsti=
1131. =nacy; but we are very steady in fulfilling our threat Brotherton: of punishment, so these little (photo facsimile page 58) Page 58
1132. of punishment, so these little obstinacies are gradually
1133. disappearing. Our punishment for her is taking her
1134. and leaving her alone for five minutes or so, in a
1135. light room. We tell her the length of time that she
1136. may not think we are influenced by caprice, or
1137. that she gains her point (of leaving the room) by
1138. crying. Once and once only have we had recourse
1139. to a severer punishment. It was one Sunday evengevening
1140. it may be about five weeks ago; we were trying to
1141. teach her, her letters, more by way of occupation for
1142. her these long winter evenings, than from any anxie=
1143. =ty as to her progreſss in learning. She knew all the
1144. vowels but refused to say A. All the others she would
1145. say, but would not even repeat A after us. We
1146. got the slate, and drew it for her; but she persevered.
1147. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. was asleep so we were unwilling to provoke
1148. the violent crying, which generally ensues when
1149. she is taken upstairs; so Wm.Elizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. gave her a slap Brotherton: on her hand every time she refused (photo facsimile page 59) Page 59
1150. on her hand every time she refused to say it, till
1151. at last she said it quite pat. Still I am sure we
1152. were so unhappy that we cried, when she was gone
1153. to bed. And I don't know if it was right. If not
1154. pray, dear MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., forgive us.

1155. Since then we have not attempted any more leſssons
1156. till she shows some desire to resume them; and I
1157. think she is coming round, for she delights in
1158. getting a book, and saying to herself, This is A
1159. or O, as the case may be &c.

1160. She is not by any means forward for her age;
1161. but not at all deficient in any thing. She has
1162. never asked any question whatever that would
1163. lead to any, even the most simple truths, of
1164. religion. I am on the watch for any thing of
1165. the sort.

1166. She is getting both useful, and independent. She Brotherton: does little things for herself and (photo facsimile page 60) Page 60
1167. does little things for herself and other people, and
1168. thinks of things herself, such as fetching her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. 's
1169. slippers &c. Today he was going out; and she had
1170. gone on a meſssage into the kitchen, but when
1171. she heard him trying to open the front door, she
1172. ran, calling out Stop Papa Papa., you must
1173. give me a kiſss before you go.

1174. And now for my little MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. ; 10 months old
1175. on the fifth of this month. She has a much
1176. more paſssionate temper than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.; per=
1177. =haps much livelier. But I sometimes fancy that
1178. 8 weeks spent day and night in one little
1179. close room, may have had some influence on
1180. her temper. She is very bright and sunny when
1181. all goes right, and very affectionate; particu=
1182. =larly to her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. and ElizabethElizabeth Barlowe who began working for the Gaskells in 1837, after Betsy left their service. Her name appears in the 1841 census records. No other information is known about her. (Thank you to Dr. Diane Duffy at the Gaskell House Museum for the census data). , little, saucy
1183. girl she prefers them both to her Mama.
1184. I fancy she will be more clever than her
1185. elder sister, if not so gentle. And there are Brotherton: very fine materials to work upon (photo facsimile page 61) Page 61
1186. very fine materials to work upon I am con=
1187. =vinced, if I but knew how. I am sometimes a=
1188. fraid ElizabethElizabeth Barlowe who began working for the Gaskells in 1837, after Betsy left their service. Her name appears in the 1841 census records. No other information is known about her. (Thank you to Dr. Diane Duffy at the Gaskell House Museum for the census data). spoils her. She has had very good
1189. health with the exception of one week, when
1190. she was about 9 months and a fortnight old;
1191. the same age and cutting the same teeth as
1192. MAThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was when she had her terrible illneſss.
1193. But if this was anything of the sort, it was
1194. not nearly so violent.

1195. She has now had four teeth for 2 months or
1196. more. She is taller and slighter than M. A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.
1197. and stronger, as she can roll and crawl
1198. away famously on the carpet. She is
1199. like M. A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.; not quite such a pretty com=
1200. =plexion, and no dimples, but longer eye=
1201. =lashes. She can notcannot quite stand by taking hold of Brotherton: anything, but veray nearly (photo facsimile page 62) Page 62
1202. any thinganything, but very nearly. She has no little accom=
1203. =entry 7.12plishments yet, but that is only for want of being
1204. taught. She knows us all by name. Once or twice
1205. I have heard ElizabethElizabeth Barlowe who began working for the Gaskells in 1837, after Betsy left their service. Her name appears in the 1841 census records. No other information is known about her. (Thank you to Dr. Diane Duffy at the Gaskell House Museum for the census data). distracting her attention
1206. when in a little pet by telling her to look for PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds.
1207. or Dicky (the bird) when they were not there. This
1208. I am afraid I did not sufficiently check.

1209. The two dear little sisters are very fond of one
1210. another. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. gives up any thing she has
1211. if MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. wants it. Almost too much I fancy
1212. sometimes. And MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. looks so relyingly for
1213. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.'s help if she has lost any little play=
1214. =thing or in any distreſss. And she crows and dances
1215. when she hears MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.'s voice. Oh! how I
1216. hope this love will last. I must do my best to
1217. cherish it. Oh GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. help me in all my good
1218. resolutions with regard to these two dear children,
1219. for without thee I have no strength. Amen

Entry 8

March 25, 1838

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 3 and a half; MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , aged 13 months

Elapsed Time: Three and a half months since the previous entry.

Length of Entry: Five and a half handwritten pages.

In the dateline of this entry, the year is obscured, so that an 8 is superimposed over the seven. As the entry follows an entry for December 1837, however, and the entirety of the diary continues in chronological sequence, it is clear that this entry was written in 1838. Although MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. is at this time over a year old, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. appears rushed in this entry and writes only about MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., who is to begin Infant School. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s maternal responsibility surrounding the education of her daughters is a fitting topic in the wake of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne nine months earlier, in June 1837. The coronation had not yet taken place, but the country must have been watching closely as they prepared for rule under a female monarch. The entry foregrounds GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s indecisiveness or doubt in maternal choices, and she uses the journal to weigh both sides of the decision. On one hand, she worries, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. may learn things at school from the other children that she would not wish her to know, and may care less for her home, but on the other hand, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. reasons, school will give her the opportunity to learn obedience and perseverance, which are characteristics that GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. and her husbandElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. are firmly devoted to. They are not concerned with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s learning much in the school, so much as her developing the necessary habits that will underly her learning later.

The entry builds upon GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s concerns with MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s education by discussing her initial mother-daughter conversations regarding religious belief. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. has attended her first Chapel service, on Christmas Day in 1837, at age 3, and GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. is pleased with her understanding of the teachings so far. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s language is developing; she knows her letters and can spell a few words, and recite a poem.

The entry’s closing allows an intriguing glimpse into the connections GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. makes between this early diary and her later writing career. In the final paragraph, where she bemoans the lack of time to write anything about MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. writes pointedly, I must devote my next ‘chapter’ to her. This is the first moment in the diary in which she likens her writing to its commercial counterpart. This connection notably follows GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s first publication. The previous year, in January 1837, only a month before MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. ’s birth, Sketches Among The Poor, a poem co-written by the Gaskells, had appeared in Blackwoods’.

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Brotherton: March 25th, 1838 (photo facsimile page 63)

Page 63 March 25th. 1838. Sunday Evening.

1220. There is a new era in the little life of my dear
1221. little girl. Tomorrow she goes to an Infant SchoolThe school has not been identified. Marianne began going to school at 3 1/2 years old. Gaskell writes extensively about the school decision in the eighth journal entry, weighing the arguments on both sides. .
1222. I think I am naturally undecided, or rather
1223. perhaps apt to repent my decision when it is
1224. too late, but now I am beginning to wonder if
1225. I have done right about this darling. There is
1226. much to be said on each side. It may weaken
1227. her pleasure in home, her love for us all, her
1228. confidence in me, at present such a bleſssing
1229. to me; - she may meet with children who may
1230. teach her the meaning of things of which at
1231. present we desire to keep her ignorant, that
1232. we may give her correct ideas when her mind
1233. is more advanced; such as Death, falsehood
1234. &c &c. But our reasons for wishing her to go
1235. to school, are also strong; not to advance her Brotherton: rapidly in any branch of learning (photo facsimile page 64) Page 64
1236. rapidly in any branch of learning, for WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds.
1237. and I agree in not caring for this; but to per=
1238. =fect her habits of obedience, to give her an idea
1239. of conquering difficulties by perseverance; and
1240. to make her apply steadily for a short time.
1241. She is to go at half past nine, and come
1242. home at 12; and certainly not in the after=
1243. -noon at present, if ever. I think enough of
1244. application may be got in the morning, and
1245. I shall like her to be with me, with MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. ,
1246. out of doors &c &c, in the afternoon. I am
1247. sometimes afraid of becoming a lazy
1248. mother, willing to send my children
1249. away from me, and forgetting that on me
1250. lies the heaviest responsibility. I will try and
1251. be better in this respect. I intend as much
1252. as I can, to fetch her from school myself;
1253. I have several reasons for wishing to do this.
1254. One is that she may not be much out of school Brotherton: with the other children, though (photo facsimile page 65) Page 65
1255. with the other children, though I have reason
1256. to believe them to be all respectable, and well
1257. brought up; but as she will be younger, she may
1258. the more easily catch up any false ideas.
1259. Then I mean to lead her to tell me in the
1260. course of her walk home, all the little events
1261. that have occurred in school. I can perhaps
1262. set her right if her ideas get confused, and I
1263. can sympathize with and advise her.
1264. I have tried to decide in this matter for the
1265. best, and now we must await the result; only
1266. pray for GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.'s bleſssing upon her.

Since I last wrote, she and I have begun to
1267. talk together about religion. I have told
1268. her the simple truths I thought she could
1269. understand, such as GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.'s goodneſss and love,
1270. His watching over us in the silent hours of
1271. the night &c. I think she has now right ideas Brotherton: as far as they go, about this (photo facsimile page 66) Page 66
1272. as far as they go, about this important subject.
1273. At first she perplexed me very much by her
1274. very material questions. When does - go to
1275. bed, &c. But now we talk together in a low
1276. tone, and she likes to hear about him, and refers
1277. very properly to him as the Giver of every good
1278. thing.35Note: (Resp:#mjk) A paraphrased reference to James 1:17, KJV: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father". (Not her words, of course.) Her Aunt Liz=
1279. =zyWilliam Gaskell's sister, Lizzy, was one of Gaskell's early correspondents. Most of the extant early letters are written to her. is coming here soon, and tonight I told
1280. her we should have Aunt LizzyWilliam Gaskell's sister, Lizzy, was one of Gaskell's early correspondents. Most of the extant early letters are written to her. here in three
1281. weeks, if we were all well. But whom must
1282. we ask to keep us well. (M. A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.)GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.. After a
1283. pause she added I shall ask GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. to keep
1284. Aunt LizzyWilliam Gaskell's sister, Lizzy, was one of Gaskell's early correspondents. Most of the extant early letters are written to her. well too. She went to chapel for
1285. the first and only time on Christmas day, &
1286. was I think a little tired, though she likes
1287. much to talk about it.

She has picked up all her large letters,
1288. and can arrange them so as to make Dog
1289. Cow, Horse. She can say The Little Busy Bee36Note: (Resp:#mjk) Marianne is 3 and a half here, and knows all her letters and how to spell simple words. She can also repeat the poem by Isaac Watts. Watts was a prominent dissenter and hymn writer, who wrote some texts of poetry for children.- Brotherton: but I do not know if she attaches much meaning (photo facsimile page 67) Page 67
1290. but I do not know if she attaches much
1291. meaning to the words.

1292. Her temper continues liable to the same
1293. fault obstinacy. In some moods if told to
1294. do a thing, she remains with her hand pat=
1295. =ting her mouth, almost like one stupid;
1296. it is then so difficult to move her, and it has
1297. been most difficult to find a judicious reme
1298. dy. I am very sorry to say that after trying
1299. several, we have been obliged occasionally to give
1300. a slight whipping. It has been done sorrowfully
1301. and gently, and has never failed in making
1302. her more obedient, without producing the least
1303. resentful feeling. She is a sweet little creature
1304. in general; full of good feeling. She would give
1305. rather too freely to the poor. I love youElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist., and
1306. PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. , & MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , & ElizabethElizabeth Barlowe who began working for the Gaskells in 1837, after Betsy left their service. Her name appears in the 1841 census records. No other information is known about her. (Thank you to Dr. Diane Duffy at the Gaskell House Museum for the census data). , & FannyA servant, mentioned in the diary. No other information is known about Fanny., and poor Brotherton: people." William says he fears I (photo facsimile page 68) Page 68
1307. people. WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. says he fears I excite her sensi=
1308. =bilities too much; I hope not, for I should
1309. dread it as much as he can do. I have no
1310. time to write about our dear little MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. tonight.
1311. I must devote my next chapter to her. In
1312. the mean time I may just mention that
1313. the two dear little sisters seem very fond
1314. of each other. May God bleſss them both,
1315. and preserve them to us. Nevertheleſss not
1316. my will be done, bybut thine O LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs.. Amen.

Entry 9

April 8, 1838

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 3 and a half; MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , aged 14 months

Elapsed Time: Two weeks since the previous entry.

Length of Entry: Four and two halves handwritten pages.

The ninth entry draws comparisons between the two daughters, and is particularly concerned with health, and again, with the possibility of loss. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. opens the entry by recounting her fright at MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s recent attack of croup, which likely occurred only days after the previous entry. This illness was deeply significant for GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.; it forms the primary substance of a contemporaneous letter, dated March 30, 1838 to Eliza (Aunt Lizzy) GaskellWilliam Gaskell's sister, Lizzy, was one of Gaskell's early correspondents. Most of the extant early letters are written to her. , William GaskellElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. ’s then unmarried sister, and one of GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s most frequent early correspondents. Gaskell also comments in both sources (diary and letter) about the death of Eddy DeaneSon of Dr. and Mrs. Deane of Knutsford. His death of croup at the age of 5 is recorded in the journal. , whose father, Dr. Richard DeaneDr. Richard Thomas Deane, business partner of EG’s oldest uncle, Dr. Peter Holland, of Church House in Knutsford. After his first wife died, he married Susan Holland (1811-1889), Peter Holland’s daughter and Elizabeth Gaskell’s cousin. , was GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s uncle Peter HollandPhysician. The eldest son of Gaskell's maternal grandfather, Samuel Holland, of Sandlebridge in Knutsford. Peter Holland was a physician, who served in a practice with Dr. Richard Deane.’s partner in KnutsfordKnutsford was the home of the Hollands, Gaskell’s mother’s family. After Elizabeth (Holland) Stevenson died when young Elizabeth was thirteen months old, she went to Knutsford to live with her mother’s sister, Hannah (Holland) Lumb and her daughter, Marianne Lumb.. Eddy DeaneSon of Dr. and Mrs. Deane of Knutsford. His death of croup at the age of 5 is recorded in the journal. was nine months older than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. and had been ill with croup the same night as MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. and died four days later. GGaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. interjects a prayer for resignation into the account following this story.

This entry marks another instance of GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s own rereading of her journal. As she turns from recording MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s illness to fulfill her promise of devoting the next chapter to MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , she writes I have been amused on looking at my former writing in this book to perceive the difference between the two little girls. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. has done this before, commenting on her own perception of the diary as she rereads it before continuing its composition.

GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. continues with a description of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s development, much like those earlier in the diary for MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. is independent, crawling and pulling herself up, playing and making noise. She is more fretful than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., and GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. reasserts her former rules, although in Meta’s case, she fears that the servants are spoiling her rather than attending to them. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. eagerly wants what her sister has, and according to the entry, eats nearly everything she is given as well. The entry ends with a brief comment on the sisters’ relationship, this time worrying that although they get along well, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. on occasion hurts MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. knowingly. The entry closes with another prayer for their preservation, and a dash, perhaps indicating a hurried closing.

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April 8. Sunday Evening.

1317. Just a fortnight since I wrote last,
1318. and since that time I have had a
1319. sad fright about MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., on last
1320. Friday but one she had an attack of
1321. croup about 8 o'clock in the evening. We
1322. heard a cough like a dog's bark, (she Brotherton: had had a cold in her head (photo facsimile page 69) Page 69
1323. had had a cold in her head, and had
1324. seemed pale, and languid all day.) We
1325. gave her 24 drops of Ipec: Wine, and SamWilliam Gaskell’s brother and a doctor in Manchester. Sam had a particular affinity for patients with mental health problems, and eventually became superintendent of the Lancaster Asylum from 1840-1489, and was a member of the Luncacy Commission from 1849-1856.
1326. & Mr. PartingtonJames E. Partington, surgeon of Oxford Road, Manchester. Also looked after the family of J.G. Robberds. both came. They said
1327. we had done quite rightly, and ordered her
1328. some calomel powders. Of course so much
1329. medicine, and the neceſssary confinement
1330. in the house have made her not so strong,
1331. and prevented her from going to school, but
1332. we have reason to be most thankful that
1333. she is spared to us, and I do earnestly
1334. and humbly hope that I am truly thank
1335. =ful. Poor little Eddy DeaneSon of Dr. and Mrs. Deane of Knutsford. His death of croup at the age of 5 is recorded in the journal. was taken ill of
1336. croup on the same night; and died on
1337. the following Monday. (Oh! may I bring
1338. myself to a thorough resignation about Brotherton: the afflictions which God may (photo facsimile page 70) Page 70
1339. the afflictions which GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. may see fit
1340. to send me; and Oh LordGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs., while I pray thee
1341. to preserve my darling children, may I
1342. not be too much wrapt up in them. Every
1343. proof of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.'s delicacy seems to en=
1344. =dear her more to me.)37Note: (Resp:#mjk) This closing parentheses is not in the manuscript and has been supplied by the editor.

1345. when I last wrote in my journal, I was
1346. stopped by the lateneſsslateness of the hour before
1347. I had put down any particulars about
1348. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. . I have been amused on looking
1349. at my former writing in this book to
1350. perceive the difference between the two
1351. little girls. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. is far more independent
1352. than MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was at her age, which
1353. I suppose is owing to her having enjoyed
1354. more uninterrupted good health. She can
1355. crawl about any where as quickly as many
1356. children walk, and if the door is open, Brotherton: she is in the passage directly (photo facsimile page 71) Page 71
1357. she is in the paſssage directly making to=
1358. wards the kitchen. She can raise herself by
1359. any thing on to her feet, but has no idea of
1360. walking. She will play on the floor for an
1361. hour at a time in preference to being nursed. 38Note: (Resp:#mjk) Both Wilson and Chapple in their 1996 edition and Joanne Shattock in her 2006 edition identify this word as "nursed".
1362. She has no idea of talking, though she is
1363. constantly singing and making noises. She
1364. is very affectionate, but not so sensitive as
1365. M. A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. was, for instance she does not in the
1366. least care for being laughed at, but rather
1367. enjoys a joke. But I am afraid she runs
1368. some little danger of being spoilt, for nearly
1369. every one in the house pets her, and she
1370. is very full of caprices, and sometimes
1371. gives way to sad little fits of paſssion, if
1372. she is a little bit affronted by the most Brotherton: trifling thing. I am sometimes afraid (photo facsimile page 72) Page 72
1373. trifling thing. I am sometimes afraid she
1374. is not checked enough; ElizabethElizabeth Barlowe who began working for the Gaskells in 1837, after Betsy left their service. Her name appears in the 1841 census records. No other information is known about her. (Thank you to Dr. Diane Duffy at the Gaskell House Museum for the census data). (her nurse)
1375. always says poor thing, it is time enough to
1376. ,begin- This I know is wrong, though I am
1377. not sure if I act upon my knowledge. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively.
1378. loves her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. so warmly that I think his
1379. influence may do much towards conquering
1380. her little paſssions. If he says Naughty little MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively.
1381. she sobs as if her heart would break, so of
1382. course we avoid such a working upon
1383. her sensibility. She is generous in giving
1384. a piece of anything she likes, but not
1385. good in giving up a plaything, and when=
1386. ever she sees MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. occupied or a=
1387. =mused by anything, that is the very thing
1388. she wants to have. She wants every eatable
1389. or drinkable she sees others having, and
1390. what is more likes them all down to
1391. rhubarb and magnesia.

Page 73

1392. In general the sisters are very kind to one
1393. another, though sometimes I have been sorry
1394. to see MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., without any anger, or any
1395. apparent bad feeling, hurt little MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , knowing
1396. that she hurts her. I think it must be from
1397. the love of power, but of course we try to check
1398. it. May GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. bleſss & preserve them both -

Entry 10

October 14, 1838

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged 4 years; MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , aged 20 months

Elapsed Time: Six months since the previous entry.

Length of Entry: Two handwritten pages.

This is the shortest entry in the diary, barely covering two handwritten pages. In the entry which follows, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. states that she had been interrupted when she last wrote, which in part explains the brevity of this entry. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.’s focus here is on comparing her daughters; MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. once again is described as much the most energetic and constantly busy, whereas GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. worries that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is not industrious and requires guidance to keep busy. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. has improved however, and GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. is pleased to see that her former obstinacy is growing less frequent. Even as she comments on her daughters’ achievements and cautiously observes their faults, however, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. takes on herself the responsibility: I am afraid I do not set her a good example, she writes of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s lack of initiative. In spite of this however, MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. has begun to read and sew, though she is only four years old. The entry ends rather abruptly after GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. asserts that she still ascribes much of MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s behavior to physical complaints; she makes a consistent effort to keep her quiet, as otherwise she suffers much from exhaustion which shows itself in increased irritability. Here the entry ends.

In the interim between this entry and the previous one, Queen Victoria’s coronation took place, although there is no indication that the Gaskells were at all involved in the festivities. An event more likely to have affected them was the formation of the Anti-Corn Law Association in ManchesterAfter her marriage, Gaskell lived in Manchester with her husband William, who was a Unitarian minister there. Although they moved three times, their home remained in Manchester. Manchester was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, and many of Gaskell's novels feature factory workers or the poor, drawing on her observations there. Daughters Meta and Julia, who never married, continued to live at their last home, at Plymouth Grove, until their deaths. The home has now been turned into the Gaskell Home Museum., which was to become the Anti-Corn Law League the following year. Two months before this entry, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. wrote a letter to William HowittWilliam Howitt was a prolific writer, who collaborated with his wife, Mary Howitt, on many projects. Together, they edited "Howitt's Journal, which published some of Gaskell's early work. in which she described Clopton HallClopton Hall was about a mile from Stratford-on-Avon, near where Gaskell attended a school run by the Byerly sisters. She offered a description of the Hall to William Howitt in a letter, having heard he was intending to publish a volume on "Remarkable Places". The letter was published almost verbatim in "Visits to Remarkable Places" in 1840. Apart from an earlier poem co-authored with her husband, this was the first time her work appeared in print. ,

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October 14 (38) Sunday Evening.

1399. My dear little girls are both pretty well and
1400. healthy. How thankful I ought to be; and I
1401. do feel thankful for the bleſssings, I have in
1402. my children. I hope they are improving
1403. in every way. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. has begun since
1404. her birthday (Sep 12) to read and sew, and
1405. makes pretty good progreſss, especially in the
1406. working time. I am glad of something that
1407. will occupy her, for I have some difficulty Brotherton: in finding her occupation (photo facsimile page 74) Page 74
1408. in finding her occupation, and she does not
1409. set herself to any employment. In this respect
1410. I think MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. will be very different. She is almost
1411. always busy - sometimes in mischief to be sure,
1412. but she is much the most energetic of the two
1413. sisters. I wish very much to make MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.
1414. industrious; I am afraid I do not set her a
1415. good example. I try to employ her in making
1416. candlelighters, printing pictures, counting out
1417. articles &c, but she is soon tired of any one
1418. employment. This must be struggled against
1419. for I can tell from experience how increasing
1420. an error this is. In temper and habits of obedience
1421. I think M. A.The Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is much improved. She has
1422. much leſss frequently those fits of obstinacy
1423. she used to have. I am so happy to see her
1424. (general) desire of doing right, and I try
1425. to exercise her conscience by occasionally
1426. leaving her to judge if such an action be
1427. right or not. She is very affectionate, and this Brotherton: again is a circumstance to be (photo facsimile page 75) Page 75
1428. again is a circumstance to be thankful for.
1429. She has not yet overcome her excitability, and
1430. we find it neceſssary for her to be keptkeep her very
1431. quiet, as otherwise she suffers much from
1432. exhaustion which shows itself in increased ir=
1433. =ritability.

Entry 11

October 28, 1838

Children's Ages: MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants., aged four years; MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , aged nearly 21 months

Elapsed Time: Two weeks since the previous entry.

Length of Entry: Four handwritten pages.

The final entry in the diary is still quite brief, although at the outset GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. states that she intends to make up for having been interrupted in the previous entry. She continues to worry about MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s health, and writes that they are traveling to Prospect HillThe home of Holbrook Gaskell, who married his cousin, William’s paternal aunt, Anne Gaskell. At this point in 1836, both Holbrook and his wife were still living. William Gaskell was left a legacy in their will in 1848/9, and the property itself was inherited by a second Holbrook Gaskell, another nephew., the home of a relative of WilliamElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. ’s, south of WarringtonWarrington was the home of William Gaskell’s family, who were Dissenters. His widowed mother lived there with her second husband, Edward Dimock, who was also a Unitarian minister at Sankey Street Chapel in Warrington., on the recommendation of William’s brother, Sam GaskellWilliam Gaskell’s brother and a doctor in Manchester. Sam had a particular affinity for patients with mental health problems, and eventually became superintendent of the Lancaster Asylum from 1840-1489, and was a member of the Luncacy Commission from 1849-1856., who was a physician and seems to have been a frequent purveyor of medical advice to the family. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. is progressing in other respects, as well, and has begun to have regular lessons at home in reading and sewing. GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. prays for patience in regulating her temper during these lessons. While she applauds MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.’s sympathy for others, she is still concerned about what she believes is a lack of perseverance. MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , however, is generous, walked at 18 months, and is very energetic, even passionate at times. Just before closing, GaskellElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist. mentions that MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. has begun to eat animal food now that she is four years old. The entry closes, as most do, with a prayer, May God bless both my dear children.

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Oct. 28. Sunday Evening.

1434. I was interrupted when I last wrote, but I shall
1435. try and make up for it tonight. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. and I
1436. are going in a day to Prospect HillThe home of Holbrook Gaskell, who married his cousin, William’s paternal aunt, Anne Gaskell. At this point in 1836, both Holbrook and his wife were still living. William Gaskell was left a legacy in their will in 1848/9, and the property itself was inherited by a second Holbrook Gaskell, another nephew., on account of
1437. her health; she has grown very much lately, and
1438. her Uncle SamWilliam Gaskell’s brother and a doctor in Manchester. Sam had a particular affinity for patients with mental health problems, and eventually became superintendent of the Lancaster Asylum from 1840-1489, and was a member of the Luncacy Commission from 1849-1856. thinks it desirable for her to have a
1439. little change of air before winter sets in. I hope
1440. it will do her good, but there are so many things
1441. in another person's house that one cannot regulate
1442. (meals, temperature &c) that I feel a little anxious.
1443. I think I did not mention in my last account
1444. that, since she was four years old (Sep 12) she has Brotherton: begun to have regular little lessons (photo facsimile page 76) Page 76
1445. begun to have regular little leſssons; before that time
1446. indeed she had learnt her letters, partly in play.-
1447. She began with one word a day, in MamaElizabeth Gaskell, the author of the journal, was born in 1810 and died in 1865. She published her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, and later became a successful novelist.'s leſssons,
1448. but as of course it was one new word, she now
1449. sometimes reads nearly a line. She seems to like
1450. it and takes pains. Sometimes in her sewing
1451. leſssons (of six stitches in seaming). I fear I am not
1452. patient enough. Oh GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs., in whose hands are all
1453. hearts make me more even-tempered. With her
1454. I do try a great deal, but Oh my FatherGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. help me
1455. to regulate my impatient temper better!

1456. She is a most sympathetic little thing. She tries
1457. so to comfort me if she sees me looking sad,
1458. or thinks that anything has happened to dis=
1459. =comfort me. Her great faults are unaccountable
1460. fits of obstinacy; which are I hope diminishing
1461. and a want of perseverance and dependaence
1462. upon others39Note: (Resp:#mjk) Both previous editors identify this word as "others". as to her occupations and amuse=
1463. =ments. I have begun to teach her a little prayer
1464. morning and night, merely a few words, Brotherton: of thanksgiving and blessing. (photo facsimile page 77) Page 77
1465. of thanksgiving and bleſssing. I am not sure
1466. that she attaches much devotional feeling to this
1467. observance, but I thought it desirable to lead her
1468. to something beyond the visible and material, and
1469. some day I hope more interest will be shown as to40Note: (Resp:#mjk) Both previous editions have identified this word as "to". The crossbar of the "t" has nearly disappeared with age.
1470. the BeingGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. to whom they are addreſssed. She also
1471. comes in every morning, while her PapaElizabeth Gaskell’s husband, a Unitarian minister. They married August 30, 1832. At the time, William was serving at the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, with J. G. Robberds. reads from
1472. Doddindge's Expositor and prays. I sometimes fear
1473. this service is too long for her, but I think she likes
1474. coming in, though at first we had a great strug=
1475. gle, owing I think to a sort of nervous shyneſss.
1476. GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. bleſss and preserve my darling MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.!

1477. As to dear little MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. , she is totally different
1478. from MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants. though very like her in person.
1479. She is a more popular character: very lively,
1480. enjoying a joke, always busy for herself; but
1481. she is paſssionate and wilful, though less so I
1482. think than she was. She is a most generous Brotherton: little creature, always ready to give away (photo facsimile page 78) Page 78
1483. little creature, always ready to give away eatables.
1484. Not so generous as to her play-things, but often very
1485. good about that. She has many engaging ways,
1486. kiſssing if she thinks she has offended or hurt in
1487. any way. She is very backward in her talking, -
1488. Tata being the only word she can say - with an
1489. attempt at please. But she understands and notices
1490. every word that is spoken before her, and makes
1491. herself understood too by signs and noises. She
1492. has walked this two months, being a very good
1493. walker at 18 months. She has just cut her last
1494. eye-tooth, and I am glad that trial is over for
1495. her, poor darling, though she has not suffered
1496. much to what many children do. MarianneThe Gaskells’ first surviving daughter, Marianne, born September 12, 1834. Marianne, often called "M.A." or simply "MA" by Gaskell, is the subject of most of the journal, and is described as gentle. She was the only one of Gaskell’s daughters to become a mother herself, though she was still unmarried at the time of Gaskell’s death. The journal has been passed down through Marianne's descendants.
1497. has within this fortnight begun to have a little
1498. animal food, but we keep MetaThe Gaskells’ second surviving daughter, Margaret Emily, called “Meta”, was born on Feburay 5, 1837. The diary describes Meta as clever and lively. to the old
1499. plain diet. May GodGaskell refers to God frequently in the journal, particularly in the later entries after she has judged that Marianne is old enough to begin to be taught about religious beliefs. bleſss both my dear children.

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