"My pamphlet did not set the Torrens on fire"

In this quote, Catherine Helen Spence is revealing that her pamphlet did not have actually the preferred effect or develop a significant modification. The phrase "set the Torrens on fire" is a metaphor for triggering a major stir or revolution. Spence is acknowledging that her handout may have had some impact, however it did not have the powerful and transformative result she had actually hoped for. This could be seen as a reflection of her frustration or disappointment with the lack of action or action from her audience. Overall, the quote highlights the restrictions and difficulties of trying to cause change through written words alone.