st letter extant from her pen is dated thence, and though of no
intrinsic merit, but rather the ordinary formal letter of a child under
such circumstances, it deserves quotation because it is the first.

DERBY, March 30, 1776.

DEAR MAMMA:

It is with the greatest pleasure I write to you, as I flatter
myself it will make you happy to hear from me. I hope you and my
dear papa are well. School now seems agreeable to me. I have begun
French and dancing, and intend to make ["great" was written, but a
line was drawn through it] improvement in everything I learn. I
know that it will give you great satisfaction to hear that I am a
good girl. My cousin Clay sends her love to you; mine to father and
sisters, who I hope are well. Pray give my duty to papa, and accept
the same from, dear mamma,

YOUR DUTIFUL DAUGHTER.

It was at Derby that Maria learnt to write the clear, neat hand that
never altered to the end of her life; and here too she acquired her
proficiency in embroidery, an art she also practiced with success. As
her parents shortly after came to reside in England for the benefit of
Mrs. Edgeworth's health, Maria spent her holidays with them. Her
stepmother appears to have taken great pains with her, conversing with
her as an equal in every respect but age.

Her father had already commenced with her his system of educating the
powers of the young mind by analytical reflection. He soon saw that hers
was of no ordinary capacity. In 1780 he writes to her:--

It would be very agreeable to me, my dear Maria, to have letters
from you FAMILIARLY: I wish to know what you like and what you
dislike; I wish to communicate to you what little knowledge I have
acquired, that you may have a tincture of every species of
literature, and form your taste by choice and not by chance. Adieu!
enjoy the pleasure of increasing the love and esteem of your
excellent mother and of your

AFFECTIONATE FATHER.

Your poor mother continues extremely ill.

Less than a month afterwards Mr. Edgeworth had to announce the death of
his wife. The letter in which he does so throws light on the
relationship of father, daughter and stepmother:--

MY DEAR DAUGHTER:

At six o'clock on Thursday morning your excellent mother expired in
my arms. She now lies dead beside me, and I know I am doing what
would give her pleasure if she