point of view does such a marriage appear
to me, who consider right and wrong in the abstract, and never by
words and local opinions shield myself from the reproaches of my
own heart and understanding.

It is needless to say more; only you must excuse me when I add that
I wish never to see, but as a perfect stranger, a person who could
so grossly mistake my character. An apology is not necessary, if
you were inclined to make one, nor any further expostulations. I
again repeat, I cannot overlook an affront; few indeed have
sufficient delicacy to respect poverty, even when it gives lustre
to a character; and I tell you, sir, I am _poor_, yet can live
without your benevolent exertions.

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT.

Her struggles with work wearied her less than her struggles with the
follies of men, of which the foregoing is an example. Indeed, while she
was eminently fitted to enjoy society, she was also peculiarly
susceptible to the many slings and arrows from which those who live in
the world cannot escape. The very tenderness of her feelings for
humanity, which was a blessing in one way, was almost a curse in
another. For, just as the conferring of a benefit on one in need gave her
intense pleasure, so, if she was the chance cause of pain to friend or
foe, she suffered acutely. Intentionally she could not have injured any
man. But often a word or action, said or done in good faith, will involve
others in serious difficulties. The misery she endured under such
circumstances was greater than that aroused by her own individual
troubles. The thought that she had added to a fellow-sufferer's
life-burden cut her to the quick, and she was unsparing in her
self-reproaches. She then reached the very acme of mental torture, as is
seen by this letter to Mr. Johnson:--

"I am sick with vexation, and wish I could knock my foolish head
against the wall, that bodily pain might make me feel less anguish
from self-reproach! To say the truth, I was never more displeased
with myself, and I will tell you the cause. You may recollect that
I did not mention to you the circumstance of ---- having a fortune
left to him; nor did a hint of it drop from me when I conversed
with my sister, because I knew he had a sufficient motive for
concealing it. Last Sunday, when his character was aspersed, as I
thought unjustly, in the heat of vindication I