[6]

Several chapters might be filled with letters received by Mrs. Prentiss,
expressing the gratitude of the writers for the spiritual help and
comfort _Stepping Heavenward_ had given them. These letters came from
all parts of this country, from Europe, and even from the ends of the
earth; and they were written by persons belonging to every class in
society. Among them was one, written on coarse brown grocery paper,
from a poor crippled boy in the interior of Pennsylvania, which she
especially prized. It led to a friendly correspondence that continued
for several years. The book was read with equal delight by persons not
only of all classes, but of all creeds also; by Calvinists, Arminians,
High Churchmen, Evangelicals, Unitarians, and Roman Catholics. [7] It
was, however, wholly unnoticed by most of the organs of literary opinion
in this country; although abroad it attracted at once the attention of
men and women well known in the world of letters, and was praised by
them in the highest terms. [8]

Miss Eliza A. Warner, in the following Reminiscences, gives some
interesting incidents in reference to _Stepping Heavenward_.

That summer in Dorset--the summer of 1868--is one full of bright and
pleasant memories which it is delightful to recall. I had heard much of
Mrs. Prentiss from mutual friends, and been exceedingly interested in
her books, so that when I found we were to be fellow-boarders for the
summer I was greatly pleased; yet I felt a little shy at meeting one of
whose superiority in many lines I had heard so much.

How well I remember that bright morning in July on which we first met on
our way to the breakfast-table! I can hear now the frank, cheery voice
with which she greeted me, and see her large dark eyes, so full of
animation and kindly interest, which a moment after sparkled with fun as
she recalled an old joke familiar to my friends, and, it seemed, to her
also. I was put at my ease at once, and from that moment onward felt the
wonderful fascination of a manner so peculiarly her own; it was a frank,
whole-souled, sincere manner, with a certain indescribable piquancy
and sprightliness blending with the earnestness which made her very
individual and very charming.

For the next two months we were a good deal together. I think it was a
very happy summer to her. You were building the house in Dorset for a
summer home, and the planning for this and watching its progress was a
pleasant occupation. And sh