interpretation. Feeling that many
are reached and in some degree helped, the thoughts of every
day seem worth noting, though in a form that does not inspire
me.'

The most valuable of her contributions, according to her own judgment,
were the Criticisms on Contemporary Authors in Europe and America. A
few of these were revised in the spring of 1846, and, in connection
with some of her best articles selected from the Dial, Western
Messenger, American Monthly, &c., appeared in two volumes of Wiley and
Putnam's Library of American Books, under the title of PAPERS ON ART
AND LITERATURE.

SOCIETY.

Heralded by her reputation, as a scholar, writer, and talker, and
brought continually before the public by her articles in the Tribune,
Margaret found a circle of acquaintance opening before her, as wide,
various, and rich, as time and inclination permitted her to know.
Persons sought her in her country retreat, attracted alike by idle
curiosity, desire for aid, and respectful sympathy. She visited freely
in several interesting families in New York and Brooklyn: occasionally
accepted invitations to evening parties, and often met, at the
somewhat celebrated _soirees_ of Miss Lynch, the assembled authors,
artists, critics, wits, and _dilettanti_ of New York. As was
inevitable, also, for one of such powerful magnetic influence, liberal
soul and broad judgment, she once again became, as elsewhere she had
been, a confidant and counsellor of the tempted and troubled; and her
geniality, lively conversation, and ever fresh love, gave her a home
in many hearts. But the subdued tone of her spirits at this period led
her to prefer seclusion.

Of her own social habits she writes:--

'It is not well to keep entirely apart from the stream of
common life; so, though I never go out when busy, nor keep
late hours, I find it pleasanter and better to enter somewhat
into society. I thus meet with many entertaining acquaintance,
and some friends. I can never, indeed, expect, in America, or
in this world, to form relations with nobler persons than I
have already known; nor can I put my heart into these new ties
as into the old ones, though probably it would still respond
to commanding excellence. But my present circle satisfies
my wants. As to what is called "good society," I am wholly
indifferent. I know several women, whom I like very much,
and yet more men. I hear good music