Page:Famous Living Americans, with Portraits.djvu/69

50 of the years which were to come. Nestled in the heart of Surrey, that garden land of the old country, the little village of Limpsfield must have proven a veritable fairyland of beauty to child minds and hearts. Here, a little way back from the shaded main street, stood the parish church. Across the way in the handsome old rectory Maud Elizabeth Charlesworth was born on the thirteenth of September, 1867. Her father, the Reverend Samuel Charlesworth, was rector of the parish. He possessed a wonderful personality which had won for him the respect and love of all those numbered among his little flock. It is a question whether to him or to her mother Mrs. Booth owes the personal qualities which make her so magnetic a public speaker.

Maud Elizabeth was the youngest of three children and the two older sisters were her constant playmates and boon companions. The favorite sister Florence, who was nearer to her because they were more of an age, shared with her many an adventure. Living in a country village it was natural that they should spend hours each day playing in the fields or roaming over the great commons. On the occasion of their numerous trips to the seaside both became expert swimmers and were holders of the long distance swimming records at several of the summer resorts they visited.

The eldest sister, Annie, was more advanced in her studies and specialized in botany. As a result she did not share so actively the adventures of the other children. Yet all of them were lovers of the out-of-doors and it is certain that in these years of child experience both Florence and Maud built up constitutions which have since aided them to withstand the stress of worry and taxing responsibility which have been their portion.

With these memories of happiness there is also the thought of the loss which came to the rector's family while they were still in Limpsfield. When Maud was fifteen years of age, the mother, who had given to that home such a beautiful example of loving devotion, was taken from them. Her last resting place was chosen in the little churchyard and is marked by a moss-covered gravestone upon which can be read