at Henley for a short time with Mrs. Bishop; and it was doubtless
this visit that caused Margaret's unhappiness and hence her mother's
indignation. At Henley Mary enjoyed a short interval of rest. The quiet
of the place and temporary idleness were the best of tonics for her
disordered nerves, and an excellent preparation for her new labors. That
she was at that time determined to give up teaching for literature, but
that she did not take her sister into her confidence, is shown by this
letter written to Mr. Johnson, containing a pleasant description of her
holiday:--

HENLEY, Thursday, Sept. 13.

MY DEAR SIR,--Since I saw you I have, literally speaking, _enjoyed_
solitude. My sister could not accompany me in my rambles; I
therefore wandered alone by the side of the Thames, and in the
neighboring beautiful fields and pleasure grounds: the prospects
were of such a placid kind, I _caught_ tranquillity while I
surveyed them; my mind was _still_, though active. Were I to give
you an account how I have spent my time, you would smile. I found
an old French Bible here, and amused myself with comparing it with
our English translation; then I would listen to the falling leaves,
or observe the various tints the autumn gave to them. At other
times, the singing of a robin or the noise of a water-mill engaged
my attention; for I was at the same time, perhaps, discussing some
knotty point, or straying from this _tiny_ world to new systems.
After these excursions I returned to the family meals, told the
children stories (they think me _vastly_ agreeable), and my sister
was amused. Well, will you allow me to call this way of passing my
days pleasant?

I was just going to mend my pen; but I believe it will enable me to
say all I have to add to this epistle. Have you yet heard of an
habitation for me? I often think of my new plan of life; and lest
my sister should try to prevail on me to alter it, I have avoided
mentioning it to her. I am determined! Your sex generally laugh at
female determinations; but let me tell you, I never yet resolved to
do anything of consequence, that I did not adhere resolutely to it,
till I had accomplished my purpose, improbable as it might have
appeared to a more timid mind. In the course of near nine and
twenty years I have gathered some experience, and felt many