ppeared gloomy
and lonesome, I began to consider what attraction
there was in this place that used so agreeably to
soothe my pensive humour, and made me indifferent
to everything the gay world could boast; but I
found the change not in the place but in myself,
and it doubtless proceeded from that giddy gaiety,
and want of reflection which I contracted when in
town; and I was forced to consult Mr. Locke over
and over, to see wherein personal Identity
consisted, and if I was the very same Selfe."

Somewhat cheered by the reading of Locke she returns to her usual
routine of life and writes to Miss Bartlett:

"I have got no further than the first vol^m of
Virgil but was most agreeably disappointed to find
myself instructed in agriculture as well as
entertained by his charming penn, for I am
persuaded 'tho he wrote for Italy it will in many
Instances suit Carolina. I had never perused those
books before, and imagined I should immediately
enter upon battles, storms and tempests, that put
mee in a maze, and make mee shudder while I read.
But the calm and pleasing diction of pastoral and
gardening agreeably presented themselves not
unsuitably to this charming season of the year,
with w^{ch} I am so much delighted that had I butt
the fine soft Language of our Poet to paint it
properly, I should give you but little respite
'till you came into the country, and attended to
the beauties of pure Nature unassisted by Art."

A little later comes this letter, giving a clear idea of the breadth of
the girl's scheme of social service as well as her thoughtfulness and
individuality:

_Dear Miss Bartlett:_--

After a pleasant passage of about an hour we
arrived safe at home as I hope you and Mrs.
Pinckney did at Belmont; but this place appeared
much less agreeable than when I left it, having
lost the company that then enlivened it, the Scene
is indeed much changed, for instead of the Easy
and agreeable conversation of our Friends, I am
engaged with the rudiments of the law, to w^{ch} I
am yet but a stranger.

However I hope in a short time with the help of