man, for whom she can cherish neither affection nor
esteem, or even be of any use to him, excepting in the light of a
house-keeper, is an abjectness of condition, the enduring of which no
concurrence of circumstances can ever make a duty in the sight of God or
just men. If indeed she submits to it merely to be maintained in
idleness, she has no right to complain bitterly of her fate; or to act,
as a person of independent character might, as if she had a title to
disregard general rules.

"'But the misfortune is, that many women only submit in appearance, and
forfeit their own respect to secure their reputation in the world. The
situation of a woman separated from her husband, is undoubtedly very
different from that of a man who has left his wife. He, with lordly
dignity, has shaken of a clog; and the allowing her food and raiment, is
thought sufficient to secure his reputation from taint. And, should she
have been inconsiderate, he will be celebrated for his generosity and
forbearance. Such is the respect paid to the master-key of property! A
woman, on the contrary, resigning what is termed her natural protector
(though he never was so, but in name) is despised and shunned, for
asserting the independence of mind distinctive of a rational being, and
spurning at slavery.'

"During the remainder of the evening, my uncle's tenderness led him
frequently to revert to the subject, and utter, with increasing warmth,
sentiments to the same purport. At length it was necessary to say
'Farewell!'--and we parted--gracious God! to meet no more.

CHAP. XI.

"A GENTLEMAN of large fortune and of polished manners, had lately visited
very frequently at our house, and treated me, if possible, with more
respect than Mr. Venables paid him; my pregnancy was not yet visible, his
society was a great relief to me, as I had for some time past, to avoid
expence, confined myself very much at home. I ever disdained unnecessary,
perhaps even prudent concealments; and my husband, with great ease,
discovered the amount of my uncle's parting present. A copy of a writ was
the stale pretext to extort it from me; and I had soon reason to believe
that it was fabricated for the purpose. I acknowledge my folly in thus
suffering myself to be continually imposed on. I had adhered to my
resolution not to apply to my uncle, on the part of my husband, any more;
yet, when I had received a sum sufficient to supply my own wants, and to
enable me to pursue