Exactly when she began or finished _The Claremont Tales_ is not known. With her usual reserve she at first said nothing about the completed MS.--beyond, at all events, reading the stories to the children. Probably she felt doubtful about her own venture; and some little time seems to have passed before she showed it to her Mother. Mrs. Tucker was much delighted with the attempt, said at once that it ought to be published, and insisted on action being taken.