hers at that moment, what memory of delicious evenings spent amidst
alleys of orange and lime trees, the rippling fountain mingling its
sounds with the more entrancing music of flattery; what visions rose
before her of scenes endeared from infancy, of objects that recalled
that soft, luxurious dalliance which makes of life a dream. I can but
imagine that of this kind were her reveries, as she sat in solitude, or
slowly paced up and down the immense room which, but partially lighted
up, looked even larger than it was. To cut off every clew to her family,
my father had sent back from England the maid who accompanied her,
and taken in her place one who knew nothing of my mother's birth or
connections, so that she had not even the solace of so much confidential
intercourse, and was utterly, completely alone. While in Wales she had
been my father's companion for the entire day, accompanying him when
he walked or rode, and beside him on the river's bank as he fished;
scarcely had they arrived in Ireland, however, when the whole course of
life was changed. The various duties of his station took up much of his
time, he was frequently occupied all the day, and they met but rarely;
hence had she adopted those old habits of her native country,--that
self-indulgent system which surrounds itself with few cares, fewer
duties, and, alas! no resources.

So fearful was my father that she might take a dislike to the country
from the first impressions produced upon her by new acquaintances that
he actually avoided every one of his neighbors, hesitating where or with
whom to seek companionship for his wife: some were too old, some too
vulgar, some were linked with an objectionable "set," some were of the
opposite side in politics. His fastidiousness increased with every day;
and while he was assuring her that there was a delightful circle into
which she would be received, he was gradually offending every one of his
old neighbors and associates. Of the great heap of cards which covered
her table, she had not yet seen one of the owners, and already a hundred
versions were circulated to account for the seclusion in which she
lived.

I have been obliged to burden my reader with these explanations, for
whose especial enlightenment they are intended, for I desire that he
should have as clear an idea of the circumstances which attended my
mother's position as I am able to convey, and without which he would
be probably unjust in his estimate of