i 4 THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY GOSSE. 



widening alienation, arising from their wholly different 

 habits of thought and life. Each respected the other, but 

 the peculiarities and weaknesses of the painter jarred more 

 and more on the narrow sympathies and practical energy 

 of his wife. It was an unceasing matter of dispute between 

 them that my grandfather was always scribbling. For, in 

 truth, he was a most voluminous writer, producing volumes 

 upon volumes of manuscripts, which he was always en- 

 deavouring, and always vainly, to palm off upon the pub- 

 lishers. His works were varied enough — tales, dialogues, 

 allegories, philosophical treatises, in verse as well as in 

 prose. He completed two epic poems, if not more ; The 

 English Crew wintering in Spitsbergen and The A ttempts 

 of the Cainite Giants to re-conquer Paradise still languish 

 in the family possession. Mr. Thomas Gosse is perhaps 

 unique as a very voluminous author who never contrived 

 to publish a line. My grandmother, soon perceiving that 

 all this writing brought no grist to the mill, and even 

 interfered with the painting of miniatures, which was 

 fairly lucrative, waged incessant and ruthless war against 

 it, scrupled not to style it " that cursed writin'," and 

 scolded him whenever she found him at it. Many years 

 after, when Philip was in the stream of successful literary 

 life, and indeed supporting both parents in their old age 

 by his pen, the war still continued. Grandfather would 

 meekly object, " But there's Philip ; he writes books ; you 

 don't find fault with him ! " " Philip ! no, his books bring 

 in bread-and-cheese for you and me ! When did your 

 writings ever bring in anything ? " And the meek author 

 of the Cainite Giants would fall back on his favourite 

 ejaculation, "Pooh ! my dear ! " and let the discussion drop. 

 Like all prudent housewives, Mrs. Gosse had a strong 

 aversion to tramps. Her husband, on the contrary, was 

 as easy a prey to them as the great Bishop Butler was, 



