children, I am anxiously solicitous for their
future welfare, and mortified beyond measure, when counteracted in my
endeavours to improve them.--I feel all a mother's fears for the swarm of
little ones which surround me, and observe disorders, without having
power to apply the proper remedies. How can I be reconciled to life, when
it is always a painful warfare, and when I am deprived of all the
pleasures I relish?--I allude to rational conversations, and domestic
affections. Here, alone, a poor solitary individual in a strange land,
tied to one spot, and subject to the caprice of another, can I be
contented? I am desirous to convince you that I have _some_ cause for
sorrow--and am not without reason detached from life. I shall hope to
hear that you are well, and am yours sincerely

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT.

* * * * *

LETTER II.

Henley, Thursday, Sept 13.

My dear sir,

SINCE I saw you, I have, literally speaking, _enjoyed_ solitude. My
sister could not accompany me in my rambles; I therefore wandered alone,
by the side of the Thames, and in the neighbouring beautiful fields and
pleasure grounds: the prospects were of such a placid kind, I _caught_
tranquillity while I surveyed them--my mind was _still_, though active.
Were I to give you an account how I have spent my time, you would
smile.--I found an old French bible here, and amused myself with
comparing it with our English translation; then I would listen to the
falling leaves, or observe the various tints the autumn gave to them--At
other times, the singing of a robin, or the noise of a water-mill,
engaged my attention--partial attention--, for I was, at the same time
perhaps discussing some knotty point, or straying from this _tiny_ world
to new systems. After these excursions, I returned to the family meals,
told the children stories (they think me _vastly_ agreeable), and my
sister was amused.--Well, will you allow me to call this way of passing
my days pleasant?

I was just going to mend my pen; but I believe it will enable me to say
all I have to add to this epistle. Have you yet heard of an habitation
for me? I often think of my new plan of life; and, lest my sister should
try to prevail on me to alter it, I have avoided mentioning it to her. I
am determined!--Your sex generally laugh at female determinations; but
let me tell you, I never yet resolved to do, any thing of consequence,
that I did not adhere resolutely to it