n affront; few indeed have sufficient delicacy to
respect poverty, even where it gives lustre to a character--and I tell
you sir, I am POOR--yet can live without your benevolent exertions.

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT.

* * * * *

LETTER XIV.

I SEND you _all_ the books I had to review except Dr. J--'s Sermons,
which I have begun. If you wish me to look over any more trash this
month--you must send it directly. I have been so low-spirited since I saw
you--I was quite glad, last night, to feel myself affected by some
passages in Dr. J--'s sermon on the death of his wife--I seemed
(suddenly) to _find_ my _soul_ again--It has been for some time I cannot
tell where. Send me the Speaker--and _Mary_, I want one--and I shall soon
want some paper--you may as well send it at the same time--for I am
trying to brace my nerves that I may be industrious.--I am afraid reason
is not a good bracer--for I have been reasoning a long time with my
untoward spirits--and yet my hand trembles.--I could finish a period very
_prettily_ now, by saying that it ought to be steady when I add that I am
yours sincerely,

MARY.

If you do not like the manner in which I reviewed Dr. J--'s s---- on his
wife, be it known unto you--I _will_ not do it any other way--I felt some
pleasure in paying a just tribute of respect to the memory of a
man--who, spite of his faults, I have an affection for--I say _have_, for
I believe he is somewhere--_where_ my soul has been gadding perhaps;--but
_you_ do not live on conjectures.

* * * * *

LETTER XV.

MY dear sir, I send you a chapter which I am pleased with, now I see it
in one point of view--and, as I have made free with the author, I hope
you will not have often to say--what does this mean?

You forgot you were to make out my account--I am, of course, over head
and ears in debt; but I have not that kind of pride, which makes some
dislike to be obliged to those they respect.--On the contrary, when I
involuntarily lament that I have not a father or brother, I thankfully
recollect that I have received unexpected kindness from you and a few
others.--So reason allows, what nature impels me to--for I cannot live
without loving my fellow-creatures--nor can I love them, without
discovering some virtue.

MARY.

* * * * *

LETTER XVI.

Paris, December 26, 1792.

I SHOULD immediately on the receipt of your letter, my d