Page:Sketches of some distinguished Indian women.djvu/26

14 all the efforts hitherto made to further the cause of woman's welfare in India appears very small, and leads some people to question its value, let us not despair, but remember that patience is needed. If those who sow are not rewarded by seeing the fruit of their labours, they must comfort themselves with the reflection that fruit there will be sooner or later, and without doubt a plenteous harvest will be gathered in, in due time.

The Indian ladies whose lives are briefly sketched in the following pages, have been selected as being more or less typical instances of the results of civilizing and educational influences on different races and classes in society. They do not, however, by any means exhaust the list of those whose influence may be reckoned upon as a valuable factor in the cause of the enlightenment and regeneration of Indian society. It may, perhaps, be well to mention briefly a few more names, so as to make it evident how various and widespread are the influences which are at work; and the ultimate result of which, though it may seem slow, cannot be really doubted by any thoughtful observer.

Almost all English people who have visited Simla during the last ten years are more or less acquainted with the Kunwar Rani Harnam Singh, though as she and her husband lead a very quiet, retired life only a few really enjoy the privilege of her friendship. This