nsideration, she sent with her condolences an
elaborate explanation of her own conduct. Two or three more notes passed
between them. Godwin's plain-speaking--he told his correspondent very
clearly what he thought of her--is excusable. But her arguments in
self-justification and her want of respect for the dead are unpardonable.

Basil Montague, Mrs. Fenwick, and Miss Hayes continued their friendly
help, and wrote several of the necessary letters for him. The following
is from Miss Hayes to Mr. Hugh Skeys, the husband of Mary's friend. It is
valuable because written by one who was with her in her last moments:--

SIR,--Myself and Mrs. Fenwick were the only two female friends
that were with Mrs. Godwin during her last illness. Mrs. Fenwick
attended her from the beginning of her confinement with scarcely
any intermission. I was with her for the four last days of her
life, and though I have had but little experience in scenes of this
sort, yet I can confidently affirm that my imagination could never
have pictured to me a mind so tranquil, under affliction so great.
She was all kindness and attention, and cheerfully complied with
everything that was recommended to her by her friends. In many
instances she employed her mind with more sagacity on the subject
of her illness than any of the persons about her. Her whole soul
seemed to dwell with anxious fondness on her friends; and her
affections, which were at all times more alive than perhaps those
of any other human being, seemed to gather new disinterestedness
upon this trying occasion. The attachment and regret of those who
surrounded her appeared to increase every hour, and if her
principles are to be judged of by what I saw of her death, I should
say no principles could be more conducive to calmness and
consolation.

The rest of the letter is missing.

Mrs. Fenwick was intrusted with the duty of informing the
Wollstonecrafts, through Everina, of Mary's death. Her letter is as
interesting as that of Miss Hayes:--

Sept. 12, 1797.

I am a stranger to you, Miss Wollstonecraft, and at present greatly
enfeebled both in mind and body; but when Mr. Godwin desired that I
would inform you of the death of his most beloved and most
excellent wife, I was willing to undertake the task, because it is
some consolation to render him the slightest service, an