The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume IX. From Steele and Addison to Pope and Swift.
§ 3. Esther Johnson (Stella)
Lady Giffard, Temple’s sister, who kept house for him after his wife’s death, had as a companion or servant Mrs. Johnson, widow of a merchant of good position; and this Mrs. Johnson had two daughters, one of whom, Esther, a bright child of eight when Swift first met her, was a great favourite with the family, and received a legacy under Temple’s will. Swift acted as tutor to the girl, and, by the time of his last sojourn at Moor park, she had, he says, grown into perfect health and was looked upon as one of the most beautiful and graceful young women in London.