Surname: Hays Forename(s): Matilda Mary d. 3 July 1897. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Poet, translator, novelist, and editor. Pseudonym: “M. M. H.” Born c. 1820. Advocate
of women’s education and employment opportunities. Prolific periodical contributor.
Author of the novel Helen Stanley (1846). Translator and editor of The Works of George Sand (1847) with Eliza A. Ashurst. Translator of Fadette (1851). Lived in a partnership with Charlotte Cushman, whom she meet after a brief
attempt at a career on the stage. They travelled together around the United States,
London, and Rome (1849-1857). Returned to London alone and founded English Woman’s Journal with Bessie Rayner Parkes and Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, but was forced out in
1864. Co-founder of the Society for Promoting the Employment of Women and the Victoria
Press. Entered into a relationship with Adelaide Procter in the early 1860s until
the latter’s death in 1864. Began receiving a pension from the Royal Literary Fund
in 1866. Biographical information: ODNB. (CC)