A WASP looks at Lizzie Borden

National Review, August 17, 1992 by Florence King

Lizzie stayed in Fall River, living alone in her mansion, until she died of pneumonia in 1927.

Emma, living in New Hampshire, read of Lizzie's death in the paper but did not attend the funeral or send flowers. Ten days later, Emma died from a bad fall. Both sisters left the bulk of their fortunes to the Animal Rescue League. Nothing could be Waspier, except the explanation little Victoria Lincoln got when she asked her elders why no one ever spoke to their neighbor, Miss Borden. "Well, dear, she was very unkind to her mother and father."

Miss King's latest book is With charity Toward None. (St. Martin's Press).