The death of Mrs. C. W. Earle, of Woodlands, Cobham,
has rightly received a very large amount of notice in the Press, for hers was a notable personality. Partly through her charming books, which began with gardening and went on to deal with literature, the conduct of life and countless other pleasant and curious subjects, Mrs. Earle became known to thousands of people not only in England but wherever the English language is spoken. She had a genius for friendship, and owing to her very remarkable power over the written word she extended this fellowship of mind far beyond the limit of those who saw her face and heard her voice—both of which were admirable conductors of sympathy and confidence. No one realized more fully than she that the future belongs to the young. The idea of claiming any special consideration for age was opposed to her whole creed and way of life. For that very reason the consideration was bestowed. She was a most inspiring hostess and an excellent talker, but it never occurred to her to resent a difference of opinion. She wanted the clash of mind with mind, not a dull homage or an abject acquiescence. She was full of vitality, humour, and candour and lived for the exchange of ideas. She heard many confessions. Her whole nature invited them. Yet, in spite of that and of her love of imparting to others all that was in her mind, she never made mischief nor was justly accused of indiscretion or the betrayal of confidence.
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