ELIZABETH FRY, him John Gurney had inherited his principles,-for he belonged to the Society of Friends. John Gurney, early in life, in 1774, married Catherine Bell, the daughter of a merchant, and a descendant, on the maternal side, of Robert Barclay, the well-known Apologist of the Quakers. They had established themselves in a roomy, quadrangular house in St. Clement's parish, Norwich ; and there, for some years, they passed the winter months, spending the summer-time at a cheerful unpretending dwelling on the common at Bramerton, a picturesque village about four miles from the town. Twelve years after their marriage-that is to say, in 1786-the Gurneys quitted Norwich for Earlham Hall, a venerable structure which had once belonged to the Verulam family ; and here were born the last three of their twelve children. They were both of cheerful, hospitable temper- ament ; and, although Quakers, led a pleasant, agreeable existence. Like their neighbours, they revelled in every luxury that wealth could command. They kept a carriage, were visited by numerous acquaintances of all denominations, dressed fashion- ably, used the ordinary language of society, and permitted their children to acquire various accom- plishments. Mrs. Gurney was a woman of great beauty andof considerable attainments. Elegant and refined, she loved scientific and intellectual pursuits ; and her favourite companions were learned and literary per- o
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