Her next story for Arthur’s was a success, and from that time until his death he remained the candid critic of all she sent him for publication, as well as of some stories published elsewhere, and the kind literary adviser and friend.  She retained her first story (which he had declined) for three years, made some changes in it, and he accepted and published it.

Since then she has been an acceptable contributor to Cottage Hearth, Household, and other domestic magazines, besides the Literary World, Ladies’ Cabinet, Woman’s Journal, and several church papers; and has written two prize stories, which took first prizes.

In 1882 her short stories were collected and connected into a continued story, which was accepted and published by J.B.  Lippincott & Co., under the title of “Timothy; His Neighbors and His Friends.”

Many letters of appreciation from distant parts of the Union testified to the merit of the book, and she was encouraged to accede to the request of the Presbyterian Observer Company of Baltimore to write a serial for their paper.  It was entitled “Ivandale,” and was warmly commended by judges of literary work.

Wishing to read German literature in the original, she undertook the study of German, and as she had no time which she was willing to devote to regular lessons, she obtained a German pronouncing reader, and without instruction from any one she succeeded in learning to read and translate, pronouncing correctly enough to be understood by any German.  This knowledge of the language has been a well-spring of pleasure to her, and well repays her for the few moments’ attention she daily bestowed upon it.  She has translated several books, two of which were published as serials in the Oxford Press, and the Lutheran Board of Publication have published one of her translations, entitled “Betty’s Decision.”  Many beautiful short stories have found their way into our language and periodicals through the medium of her pen.

Her time is well filled with her household duties, her missionary and church work, and in reviewing new books for the press.  She has no specified time for writing, nor does she neglect her household or social duties for the sake of it, always having looked upon her literary work as a recreation.  She leads a busy life, yet is rarely hurried; and, although she enjoys the companionship of many people noted in literature, it is powerless to weaken her attachment for friends who have no inclination in that way.  All have a warm place in her heart, and a cordial welcome to her cheerful and happy home.

Mrs. Ireland, contrary to the experience of most writers, never wrote any poetry until she had attained distinction as a writer of prose.

AT THE PARTY.

I gave her a rose, so sweet, so fair;
She picked it to pieces while standing there.