She belonged to an old provincial family nearly all of whose representatives possessed more or less literary ability, and several of whom were long associated with the history of Nova Scotia.

[2] Owing to delicate health when a child, Piers was able to attend school in Dartmouth only in an irregular manner, but, being precocious and fond of the company of those older than herself, she gained much knowledge outside of the school-room.

At the age of thirteen years, she ceased to have systematic instruction, and with patient determination she proceeded to carry on her education by means of careful reading.

[2] Constance's father’s business reversals obliged her to work for a living, which was highly exceptional among daughters of the upper middle class.

[3] Finding it necessary to obtain employment, she became, in 1887, secretary to Charles Frederick Fraser, the blind editor of the Halifax Critic, and in that position, gained a practical knowledge of the work which became her occupation.