Aftertheeditionof1798
CONTENTS
PrefacebyWilliamS。GodwinAuthor’sPrefaceMaria
MARIA
orTheWrongsofWomanPREFACE
THEPUBLICareherepresentedwiththelastliteraryattemptofanauthor，whosefamehasbeenuncommonlyextensive，andwhosetalentshaveprobablybeenmostadmired，bythepersonsbywhomtalentsareestimatedwiththegreatestaccuracyanddiscrimination。
Therearefew，towhomherwritingscouldinanycasehavegivenpleasure，thatwouldhavewishedthatthisfragmentshouldhavebeensuppressed，becauseitisafragment。Thereisasentiment，verydeartomindsoftasteandimagination，thatfindsamelancholydelightincontemplatingtheseunfinishedproductionsofgenius，thesesketchesofwhat，iftheyhadbeenfilledupinamanneradequatetothewriter’sconception，wouldperhapshavegivenanewimpulsetothemannersofaworld。
Thepurposeandstructureofthefollowingwork，hadlongformedafavouritesubjectofmeditationwithitsauthor，andshejudgedthemcapableofproducinganimportanteffect。Thecompositionhadbeeninprogressforaperiodoftwelvemonths。Shewasanxioustodojusticetoherconception，andrecommencedandrevisedthemanuscriptseveraldifferenttimes。Somuchofitasisheregiventothepublic，shewasfarfromconsideringasfinished，and，inalettertoafrienddirectlywrittenonthissubject，shesays，\"Iamperfectlyawarethatsomeoftheincidentsoughttobetransposed，andheightenedbymoreharmoniousshading;andIwishedinsomedegreetoavailmyselfofcriticism，beforeIbegantoadjustmyeventsintoastory，theoutlineofwhichIhadsketchedinmymind。\"*Theonlyfriendstowhomtheauthorcommunicatedhermanuscript，wereMr。Dyson，thetranslatoroftheSorcerer，andthepresenteditor;anditwasimpossibleforthemostinexperiencedauthortodisplayastrongerdesireofprofitingbythecensuresandsentimentsthatmightbesuggested。**
*Amorecopiousextractofthisletterissubjoinedtotheauthor’spreface。
**Thepartcommunicatedconsistedofthefirstfourteenchapters。
Inrevisingthesesheetsforthepress，itwasnecessaryfortheeditor，insomeplaces，toconnectthemorefinishedpartswiththepagesofanoldercopy，andalineortwoinadditionsometimesappearedrequisiteforthatpurpose。Whereversuchalibertyhasbeentaken，theadditionalphraseswillbefoundinclosedinbrackets;itbeingtheeditor’smostearnestdesiretointrudenothingofhimselfintothework，buttogivetothepublicthewords，aswellasideas，oftherealauthor。
Whatfollowsintheensuingpages，isnotaprefaceregularlydrawnoutbytheauthor，butmerelyhintsforapreface，which，thoughneverfilledupinthemannerthewriterintended，appearedtobeworthpreserving。
W。GODWIN。
AUTHOR’SPREFACE
THEWRONGSOFWOMAN，likethewrongsoftheoppressedpartofmankind，maybedeemednecessarybytheiroppressors：butsurelythereareafew，whowilldaretoadvancebeforetheimprovementoftheage，andgrantthatmysketchesarenottheabortionofadistemperedfancy，orthestrongdelineationsofawoundedheart。
Inwritingthisnovel，Ihaveratherendeavouredtopourtraypassionsthanmanners。
InmanyinstancesIcouldhavemadetheincidentsmoredramatic，wouldIhavesacrificedmymainobject，thedesireofexhibitingthemiseryandoppression，peculiartowomen，thatariseoutofthepartiallawsandcustomsofsociety。
Intheinventionofthestory，thisviewrestrainedmyfancy;
andthehistoryoughtrathertobeconsidered，asofwoman，thanofanindividual。
ThesentimentsIhaveembodied。
Inmanyworksofthisspecies，theheroisallowedtobemortal，andtobecomewiseandvirtuousaswellashappy，byatrainofeventsandcircumstances。Theheroines，onthecontrary，aretobebornimmaculate，andtoactlikegoddessesofwisdom，justcomeforthhighlyfinishedMinervasfromtheheadofJove。
[Thefollowingisanextractofaletterfromtheauthortoafriend，towhomshecommunicatedhermanuscript。]
Formypart，Icannotsupposeanysituationmoredistressing，thanforawomanofsensibility，withanimprovingmind，tobeboundtosuchamanasIhavedescribedforlife;obligedtorenounceallthehumanizingaffections，andtoavoidcultivatinghertaste，lestherperceptionofgraceandrefinementofsentiment，shouldsharpentoagonythepangsofdisappointment。Love，inwhichtheimaginationminglesitsbewitchingcolouring，mustbefosteredbydelicacy。Ishoulddespise，orrathercallheranordinarywoman，whocouldenduresuchahusbandasIhavesketched。
Theseappeartome（matrimonialdespotismofheartandconduct）
tobethepeculiarWrongsofWoman，becausetheydegradethemind。
Whataretermedgreatmisfortunes，maymoreforciblyimpressthemindofcommonreaders;theyhavemoreofwhatmayjustlybetermedstage—effect;butitisthedelineationoffinersensations，which，inmyopinion，constitutesthemeritofourbestnovels。ThisiswhatIhaveinview;andtoshowthewrongsofdifferentclassesofwomen，equallyoppressive，though，fromthedifferenceofeducation，necessarilyvarious。
CHAPTER1
ABODESOFHORRORhavefrequentlybeendescribed，andcastles，filledwithspectresandchimeras，conjuredupbythemagicspellofgeniustoharrowthesoul，andabsorbthewonderingmind。But，formedofsuchstuffasdreamsaremadeof，whatweretheytothemansionofdespair，inonecornerofwhichMariasat，endeavouringtorecallherscatteredthoughts！
Surprise，astonishment，thatborderedondistraction，seemedtohavesuspendedherfaculties，till，wakingbydegreestoakeensenseofanguish，awhirlwindofrageandindignationrousedhertorpidpulse。Onerecollectionwithfrightfulvelocityfollowinganother，threatenedtofireherbrain，andmakeherafitcompanionfortheterrificinhabitants，whosegroansandshriekswerenounsubstantialsoundsofwhistlingwinds，orstartledbirds，modulatedbyaromanticfancy，whichamusewhiletheyaffright;butsuchtonesofmiseryascarryadreadfulcertaintydirectlytotheheart。
Whateffectmusttheythenhaveproducedonone，truetothetouchofsympathy，andtorturedbymaternalapprehension！
Herinfant’simagewascontinuallyfloatingonMaria’ssight，andthefirstsmileofintelligenceremembered，asnonebutamother，anunhappymother，canconceive。Sheheardherhalfspeakinghalfcooing，andfeltthelittletwinklingfingersonherburningbosom——abosomburstingwiththenutrimentforwhichthischerishedchildmightnowbepininginvain。Fromastrangershecouldindeedreceivethematernalaliment，Mariawasgrievedatthethought——
butwhowouldwatchherwithamother’stenderness，amother’sself—denial？
Theretreatingshadowsofformersorrowsrushedbackinagloomytrain，andseemedtobepicturedonthewallsofherprison，magnifiedbythestateofmindinwhichtheywereviewed——Stillshemournedforherchild，lamentedshewasadaughter，andanticipatedtheaggravatedillsoflifethathersexrenderedalmostinevitable，evenwhiledreadingshewasnomore。Tothinkthatshewasblottedoutofexistencewasagony，whentheimaginationhadbeenlongemployedtoexpandherfaculties;yettosupposeherturnedadriftonanunknownsea，wasscarcelylessafflicting。
Afterbeingtwodaysthepreyofimpetuous，varyingemotions，Mariabegantoreflectmorecalmlyonherpresentsituation，forshehadactuallybeenrenderedincapableofsoberreflection，bythediscoveryoftheactofatrocityofwhichshewasthevictim。
Shecouldnothaveimagined，that，inallthefermentationofcivilizeddepravity，asimilarplotcouldhaveenteredahumanmind。Shehadbeenstunnedbyanunexpectedblow;yetlife，howeverjoyless，wasnottobeindolentlyresigned，ormiseryenduredwithoutexertion，andproudlytermedpatience。Shehadhithertomeditatedonlytopointthedartofanguish，andsuppressedtheheartheavingsofindignantnaturemerelybytheforceofcontempt。
Nowsheendeavouredtobracehermindtofortitude，andtoaskherselfwhatwastobeheremploymentinherdrearycell？Wasitnottoeffectherescape，toflytothesuccourofherchild，andtobaffletheselfishschemesofhertyrant——herhusband？
Thesethoughtsrousedhersleepingspirit，andtheself—possessionreturned，thatseemedtohaveabandonedherintheinfernalsolitudeintowhichshehadbeenprecipitated。Thefirstemotionsofoverwhelmingimpatiencebegantosubside，andresentmentgaveplacetotenderness，andmoretranquilmeditation;thoughangeroncemorestoptthecalmcurrentofreflectionwhensheattemptedtomovehermanacledarms。Butthiswasanoutragethatcouldonlyexcitemomentaryfeelingsofscorn，whichevaporatedinafaintsmile;forMariawasfarfromthinkingapersonalinsultthemostdifficulttoendurewithmagnanimousindifference。
Sheapproachedthesmallgratedwindowofherchamber，andforaconsiderabletimeonlyregardedtheblueexpanse;thoughitcommandedaviewofadesolategarden，andofpartofahugepileofbuildings，that，afterhavingbeensuffered，forhalfacentury，tofalltodecay，hadundergonesomeclumsyrepairs，merelytorenderithabitable。Theivyhadbeentornofftheturrets，andthestonesnotwantedtopatchupthebreachesoftime，andexcludethewarringelements，leftinheapsinthedisorderedcourt。Mariacontemplatedthisscenesheknewnothowlong;orrathergazedonthewalls，andponderedonhersituation。Tothemasterofthismosthorridofprisons，shehad，soonafterherentrance，ravedofinjustice，inaccentsthatwouldhavejustifiedhistreatment，hadnotamalignantsmile，whensheappealedtohisjudgment，withadreadfulconvictionstifledherremonstratingcomplaints。Byforce，oropenly，whatcouldbedone？Butsurelysomeexpedientmightoccurtoanactivemind，withoutanyotheremployment，andpossessedofsufficientresolutiontoputtheriskoflifeintothebalancewiththechanceoffreedom。
Awomanenteredinthemidstofthesereflections，withafirm，deliberatestep，stronglymarkedfeatures，andlargeblackeyes，whichshefixedsteadilyonMaria’s，asifshedesignedtointimidateher，sayingatthesametime\"Youhadbettersitdownandeatyourdinner，thanlookattheclouds。\"
\"Ihavenoappetite，\"repliedMaria，whohadpreviouslydeterminedtospeakmildly;\"whythenshouldIeat？\"
\"But，inspiteofthat，youmustandshalleatsomething。
Ihavehadmanyladiesundermycare，whohaveresolvedtostarvethemselves;but，soonorlate，theygaveuptheirintent，astheyrecoveredtheirsenses。\"
\"Doyoureallythinkmemad？\"askedMaria，meetingthesearchingglanceofhereye。
\"Notjustnow。Butwhatdoesthatprove？——Onlythatyoumustbethemorecarefullywatched，forappearingattimessoreasonable。
Youhavenottouchedamorselsinceyouenteredthehouse。\"——Mariasighedintelligibly。——\"Couldanythingbutmadnessproducesuchadisgustforfood？\"
\"Yes，grief;youwouldnotaskthequestionifyouknewwhatitwas。\"Theattendantshookherhead;andaghastlysmileofdesperatefortitudeservedasaforciblereply，andmadeMariapause，beforesheadded——\"YetIwilltakesomerefreshment：Imeannottodie。——No;Iwillpreservemysenses;andconvinceevenyou，soonerthanyouareawareof，thatmyintellectshaveneverbeendisturbed，thoughtheexertionofthemmayhavebeensuspendedbysomeinfernaldrug。\"
Doubtgatheredstillthickeronthebrowofherguard，assheattemptedtoconvictherofmistake。
\"Havepatience！\"exclaimedMaria，withasolemnitythatinspiredawe。\"MyGod！howhaveIbeenschooledintothepractice！\"
Asuffocationofvoicebetrayedtheagonizingemotionsshewaslabouringtokeepdown;andconqueringaqualmofdisgust，shecalmlyendeavouredtoeatenoughtoproveherdocility，perpetuallyturningtothesuspiciousfemale，whoseobservationshecourted，whileshewasmakingthebedandadjustingtheroom。
\"Cometomeoften，\"saidMaria，withatoneofpersuasion，inconsequenceofavagueplanthatshehadhastilyadopted，when，aftersurveyingthiswoman’sformandfeatures，shefeltconvincedthatshehadanunderstandingabovethecommonstandard，\"andbelievememad，tillyouareobligedtoacknowledgethecontrary。\"
Thewomanwasnofool，thatis，shewassuperiortoherclass;norhadmiseryquitepetrifiedthelife’s—bloodofhumanity，towhichreflectionsonourownmisfortunesonlygiveamoreorderlycourse。
Themanner，ratherthantheexpostulations，ofMariamadeaslightsuspiciondartintohermindwithcorrespondingsympathy，whichvariousotheravocations，andthehabitofbanishingcompunction，preventedher，forthepresent，fromexaminingmoreminutely。
Butwhenshewastoldthatnoperson，exceptingthephysicianappointedbyherfamily，wastobepermittedtoseetheladyattheendofthegallery，sheopenedherkeeneyesstillwider，anduttereda——\"hem！\"beforesheenquired——\"Why？\"Shewasbrieflytold，inreply，thatthemaladywashereditary，andthefitsnotoccurringbutatverylongandirregularintervals，shemustbecarefullywatched;forthelengthoftheselucidperiodsonlyrenderedhermoremischievous，whenanyvexationorcapricebroughtontheparoxysmofphrensy。
Hadhermastertrustedher，itisprobablethatneitherpitynorcuriositywouldhavemadeherswervefromthestraightlineofherinterest;forshehadsufferedtoomuchinherintercoursewithmankind，nottodeterminetolookforsupport，rathertohumouringtheirpassions，thancourtingtheirapprobationbytheintegrityofherconduct。Adeadlyblighthadmetherattheverythresholdofexistence;andthewretchednessofhermotherseemedaheavyweightfastenedonherinnocentneck，todragherdowntoperdition。
Shecouldnotheroicallydeterminetosuccouranunfortunate;but，offendedatthebaresuppositionthatshecouldbedeceivedwiththesameeaseasacommonservant，shenolongercurbedhercuriosity;
and，thoughsheneverseriouslyfathomedherownintentions，shewouldsit，everymomentshecouldstealfromobservation，listeningtothetale，whichMariawaseagertorelatewithallthepersuasiveeloquenceofgrief。
Itissocheeringtoseeahumanface，eveniflittleofthedivinityofvirtuebeaminit，thatMariaanxiouslyexpectedthereturnoftheattendant，asofagleamoflighttobreakthegloomofidleness。Indulgedsorrow，sheperceived，mustbluntorsharpenthefacultiestothetwooppositeextremes;producingstupidity，themopingmelancholyofindolence;ortherestlessactivityofadisturbedimagination。Shesunkintoonestate，afterbeingfatiguedbytheother：tillthewantofoccupationbecameevenmorepainfulthantheactualpressureorapprehensionofsorrow;andtheconfinementthatfrozeherintoanookofexistence，withanunvariedprospectbeforeher，themostinsupportableofevils。Thelampoflifeseemedtobespendingitselftochasethevapoursofadungeonwhichnoartcoulddissipate。——Andtowhatpurposedidsherallyallherenergy？——Wasnottheworldavastprison，andwomenbornslaves？
Thoughshefailedimmediatelytorousealivelysenseofinjusticeinthemindofherguard，becauseithadbeensophisticatedintomisanthropy，shetouchedherheart。Jemima（shehadonlyaclaimtoaChristianname，whichhadnotprocuredheranyChristianprivileges）couldpatientlyhearofMaria’sconfinementonfalsepretences;shehadfeltthecrushinghandofpower，hardenedbytheexerciseofinjustice，andceasedtowonderattheperversionsoftheunderstanding，whichsystematizeoppression;but，whentoldthatherchild，onlyfourmonthsold，hadbeentornfromher，evenwhileshewasdischargingthetenderestmaternaloffice，thewomanawokeinabosomlongestrangedfromfeminineemotions，andJemimadeterminedtoalleviateallinherpower，withouthazardingthelossofherplace，thesufferingsofawretchedmother，apparentlyinjured，andcertainlyunhappy。Asenseofrightseemstoresultfromthesimplestactofreason，andtopresideoverthefacultiesofthemind，likethemaster—senseoffeeling，torectifytherest;
but（forthecomparisonmaybecarriedstillfarther）howoftenistheexquisitesensibilityofbothweakenedordestroyedbythevulgaroccupations，andignoblepleasuresoflife？
Thepreservinghersituationwas，indeed，animportantobjecttoJemima，whohadbeenhuntedfromholetohole，asifshehadbeenabeastofprey，orinfectedwithamoralplague。Thewagesshereceived，thegreaterpartofwhichshehoarded，asheronlychanceforindependence，weremuchmoreconsiderablethanshecouldreckononobtaininganywhereelse，wereitpossiblethatshe，anoutcastfromsociety，couldbepermittedtoearnasubsistenceinareputablefamily。HearingMariaperpetuallycomplainoflistlessness，andthenotbeingabletobeguilegriefbyresuminghercustomarypursuits，shewaseasilyprevailedon，bycompassion，andthatinvoluntaryrespectforabilities，whichthosewhopossessthemcannevereradicate，tobringhersomebooksandimplementsforwriting。Maria’sconversationhadamusedandinterestedher，andthenaturalconsequencewasadesire，scarcelyobservedbyherself，ofobtainingtheesteemofapersonsheadmired。Theremembranceofbetterdayswasrenderedmorelively;andthesentimentsthenacquiredappearinglessromanticthantheyhadforalongperiod，asparkofhoperousedhermindtonewactivity。
HowgratefulwasherattentiontoMaria！Oppressedbyadeadweightofexistence，orpreyedonbythegnawingwormofdiscontent，withwhateagernessdidsheendeavourtoshortenthelongdays，whichleftnotracesbehind！Sheseemedtobesailingonthevastoceanoflife，withoutseeinganyland—marktoindicatetheprogressoftime;tofindemploymentwasthentofindvariety，theanimatingprincipleofnature。
CHAPTER2
EARNESTLYasMariaendeavouredtosoothe，byreading，theanguishofherwoundedmind，herthoughtswouldoftenwanderfromthesubjectshewasledtodiscuss，andtearsofmaternaltendernessobscuredthereasoningpage。Shedescantedon\"theillswhichfleshisheirto，\"withbitterness，whentherecollectionofherbabewasrevivedbyataleoffictitiouswoe，thatboreanyresemblancetoherown;andherimaginationwascontinuallyemployed，toconjureupandembodythevariousphantomsofmisery，whichfollyandvicehadletlooseontheworld。Thelossofherbabewasthetenderstring;againstothercruelremembrancesshelabouredtosteelherbosom;andevenarayofhope，inthemidstofhergloomyreveries，wouldsometimesgleamonthedarkhorizonoffuturity，whilepersuadingherselfthatsheoughttoceasetohope，sincehappinesswasnowheretobefound。——Butofherchild，debilitatedbythegriefwithwhichitsmotherhadbeenassailedbeforeitsawthelight，shecouldnotthinkwithoutanimpatientstruggle。
\"I，alone，bymyactivetenderness，couldhavesaved，\"
shewouldexclaim，\"fromanearlyblight，thissweetblossom;
and，cherishingit，Ishouldhavehadsomethingstilltolove。\"
Inproportionasotherexpectationsweretornfromher，thistenderonehadbeenfondlyclungto，andknitintoherheart。
Thebooksshehadobtained，weresoondevoured，byonewhohadnootherresourcetoescapefromsorrow，andthefeverishdreamsofidealwretchednessorfelicity，whichequallyweakentheintoxicatedsensibility。Writingwasthentheonlyalternative，andshewrotesomerhapsodiesdescriptiveofthestateofhermind;
buttheeventsofherpastlifepressingonher，sheresolvedcircumstantiallytorelatethem，withthesentimentsthatexperience，andmorematuredreason，wouldnaturallysuggest。Theymightperhapsinstructherdaughter，andshieldherfromthemisery，thetyranny，hermotherknewnothowtoavoid。
Thisthoughtgavelifetoherdiction，hersoulflowedintoit，andshesoonfoundthetaskofrecollectingalmostobliteratedimpressionsveryinteresting。Shelivedagainintherevivedemotionsofyouth，andforgotherpresentintheretrospectofsorrowsthathadassumedanunalterablecharacter。
Thoughthisemploymentlightenedtheweightoftime，yet，neverlosingsightofhermainobject，MariadidnotallowanyopportunitytoslipofwinningontheaffectionsofJemima;forshediscoveredinherastrengthofmind，thatexcitedheresteem，cloudedasitwasbythemisanthropyofdespair。
Aninsulatedbeing，fromthemisfortuneofherbirth，shedespisedandpreyedonthesocietybywhichshehadbeenoppressed，andlovednotherfellow—creatures，becauseshehadneverbeenbeloved。Nomotherhadeverfondledher，nofatherorbrotherhadprotectedherfromoutrage;andthemanwhohadplungedherintoinfamy，anddesertedherwhenshestoodingreatestneedofsupport，deignednottosmoothwithkindnesstheroadtoruin。Thusdegraded，wassheletlooseontheworld;andvirtue，nevernurturedbyaffection，assumedthesternaspectofselfishindependence。
Thisgeneralviewofherlife，Mariagatheredfromherexclamationsanddryremarks。Jemimaindeeddisplayedastrangemixtureofinterestandsuspicion;forshewouldlistentoherwithearnestness，andthensuddenlyinterrupttheconversation，asifafraidofresigning，bygivingwaytohersympathy，herdear—boughtknowledgeoftheworld。
Mariaalludedtothepossibilityofanescape，andmentionedacompensation，orreward;butthestyleinwhichshewasrepulsedmadehercautious，anddeterminenottorenewthesubject，tillsheknewmoreofthecharactershehadtoworkon。Jemima’scountenance，anddarkhints，seemedtosay，\"Youareanextraordinarywoman;butletmeconsider，thismayonlybeoneofyourlucidintervals。\"Nay，theveryenergyofMaria’scharacter，madehersuspectthattheextraordinaryanimationsheperceivedmightbetheeffectofmadness。\"Shouldherhusbandthensubstantiatehischarge，andgetpossessionofherestate，fromwhencewouldcomethepromisedannuity，ormoredesiredprotection？Besides，mightnotawoman，anxioustoescape，concealsomeofthecircumstanceswhichmadeagainsther？Wastruthtobeexpectedfromonewhohadbeenentrapped，kidnapped，inthemostfraudulentmanner？\"
InthistrainJemimacontinuedtoargue，themomentaftercompassionandrespectseemedtomakeherswerve;andshestillresolvednottobewroughtontodomorethansoftentherigourofconfinement，tillshecouldadvanceonsurerground。
Mariawasnotpermittedtowalkinthegarden;butsometimes，fromherwindow，sheturnedhereyesfromthegloomywalls，inwhichshepinedlifeaway，onthepoorwretcheswhostrayedalongthewalks，andcontemplatedthemostterrificofruins——thatofahumansoul。Whatistheviewofthefallencolumn，themoulderingarch，ofthemostexquisiteworkmanship，whencomparedwiththislivingmementoofthefragility，theinstability，ofreason，andthewildluxuriancyofnoxiouspassions？Enthusiasmturnedadrift，likesomerichstreamoverflowingitsbanks，rushesforwardwithdestructivevelocity，inspiringasublimeconcentrationofthought。
ThusthoughtMaria——Thesearetheravagesoverwhichhumanitymustevermournfullyponder，withadegreeofanguishnotexcitedbycrumblingmarble，orcankeringbrass，unfaithfultothetrustofmonumentalfame。Itisnotoverthedecayingproductionsofthemind，embodiedwiththehappiestart，wegrievemostbitterly。
Theviewofwhathasbeendonebyman，producesamelancholy，yetaggrandizing，senseofwhatremainstobeachievedbyhumanintellect;
butamentalconvulsion，which，likethedevastationofanearthquake，throwsalltheelementsofthoughtandimaginationintoconfusion，makescontemplationgiddy，andwefearfullyaskonwhatgroundweourselvesstand。
Melancholyandimbecilitymarkedthefeaturesofthewretchesallowedtobreatheatlarge;forthefrantic，thosewhoinastrongimaginationhadlostasenseofwoe，werecloselyconfined。Theplayfultricksandmischievousdevicesoftheirdisturbedfancy，thatsuddenlybrokeout，couldnotbeguardedagainst，whentheywerepermittedtoenjoyanyportionoffreedom;for，soactivewastheirimagination，thateverynewobjectwhichaccidentallystrucktheirsenses，awoketophrenzytheirrestlesspassions;asMarialearnedfromtheburdenoftheirincessantravings。
Sometimes，withastrictinjunctionofsilence，JemimawouldallowMaria，atthecloseofevening，tostrayalongthenarrowavenuesthatseparatedthedungeon—likeapartments，leaningonherarm。Whatachangeofscene！Mariawishedtopassthethresholdofherprison，yet，whenbychanceshemettheeyeofrageglaringonher，yetunfaithfultoitsoffice，sheshrunkbackwithmorehorrorandaffright，thanifshehadstumbledoveramangledcorpse。
Herbusyfancypicturedthemiseryofafondheart，watchingoverafriendthusestranged，absent，thoughpresent——overapoorwretchlosttoreasonandthesocialjoysofexistence;andlosingallconsciousnessofmiseryinitsexcess。Whatatask，towatchthelightofreasonquiveringintheeye，orwithagonizingexpectationtocatchthebeamofrecollection;tantalizedbyhope，onlytofeeldespairmorekeenly，atfindingamuchlovedfaceorvoice，suddenlyremembered，orpatheticallyimplored，onlytobeimmediatelyforgotten，orviewedwithindifferenceorabhorrence！
Theheart—rendingsighofmelancholysunkintohersoul;
andwhensheretiredtorest，thepetrifiedfiguresshehadencountered，theonlyhumanformsshewasdoomedtoobserve，hauntingherdreamswithtalesofmysteriouswrongs，madeherwishtosleeptodreamnomore。
Dayafterdayrolledaway，andtediousasthepresentmomentappeared，theypassedinsuchanunvariedtenor，Mariawassurprisedtofindthatshehadalreadybeensixweeksburiedalive，andyethadsuchfainthopesofeffectingherenlargement。Shewas，earnestlyasshehadsoughtforemployment，nowangrywithherselfforhavingbeenamusedbywritinghernarrative;andgrievedtothinkthatshehadforaninstantthoughtofanything，butcontrivingtoescape。
Jemimahadevidentlypleasureinhersociety：still，thoughsheoftenleftherwithaglowofkindness，shereturnedwiththesamechillingair;and，whenherheartappearedforamomenttoopen，somesuggestionofreasonforciblyclosedit，beforeshecouldgiveutterancetotheconfidenceMaria’sconversationinspired。
Discouragedbythesechanges，Mariarelapsedintodespondency，whenshewascheeredbythealacritywithwhichJemimabroughtherafreshparcelofbooks;assuringher，thatshehadtakensomepainstoobtainthemfromoneofthekeepers，whoattendedagentlemanconfinedintheoppositecornerofthegallery。
Mariatookupthebookswithemotion。\"Theycome，\"saidshe，\"perhaps，fromawretchcondemned，likeme，toreasononthenatureofmadness，byhavingwreckedmindscontinuallyunderhiseye;andalmosttowishhimself——asIdo——mad，toescapefromthecontemplationofit。\"Herheartthrobbedwithsympatheticalarm;andsheturnedovertheleaveswithawe，asiftheyhadbecomesacredfrompassingthroughthehandsofanunfortunatebeing，oppressedbyasimilarfate。
Dryden’sFables，Milton’sParadiseLost，withseveralmodernproductions，composedthecollection。Itwasamineoftreasure。
Somemarginalnotes，inDryden’sFables，caughtherattention：theywerewrittenwithforceandtaste;and，inoneofthemodernpamphlets，therewasafragmentleft，containingvariousobservationsonthepresentstateofsocietyandgovernment，withacomparativeviewofthepoliticsofEuropeandAmerica。Theseremarkswerewrittenwithadegreeofgenerouswarmth，whenalludingtotheenslavedstateofthelabouringmajority，perfectlyinunisonwithMaria’smodeofthinking。
Shereadthemoverandoveragain;andfancy，treacherousfancy，begantosketchacharacter，congenialwithherown，fromtheseshadowyoutlines。——\"Washemad？\"Shereperusedthemarginalnotes，andtheyseemedtheproductionofananimated，butnotofadisturbedimagination。Confinedtothisspeculation，everytimeshere—readthem，somefreshrefinementofsentiment，oraccutenessofthoughtimpressedher，whichshewasastonishedatherselffornothavingbeforeobserved。
Whatacreativepowerhasanaffectionateheart！Therearebeingswhocannotlivewithoutloving，aspoetslove;andwhofeeltheelectricsparkofgenius，whereveritawakenssentimentorgrace。Mariahadoftenthought，whendiscipliningherwaywardheart，\"thattocharm，wastobevirtuous。\"\"Theywhomakemewishtoappearthemostamiableandgoodintheireyes，mustpossessinadegree，\"shewouldexclaim，\"thegracesandvirtuestheycallintoaction。\"
Shetookupabookonthepowersofthehumanmind;but，herattentionstrayedfromcoldargumentsonthenatureofwhatshefelt，whileshewasfeeling，andshesnaptthechainofthetheorytoreadDryden’sGuiscardandSigismunda。
Maria，inthecourseoftheensuingday，returnedsomeofthebooks，withthehopeofgettingothers——andmoremarginalnotes。
Thusshutoutfromhumanintercourse，andcompelledtoviewnothingbuttheprisonofvexedspirits，tomeetawretchinthesamesituation，wasmoresurelytofindafriend，thantoimagineacountrymanone，inastrangeland，wherethehumanvoiceconveysnoinformationtotheeagerear。
\"Didyoueverseetheunfortunatebeingtowhomthesebooksbelong？\"askedMaria，whenJemimabroughtherslipper。\"Yes。Hesometimeswalksout，betweenfiveandsix，beforethefamilyisstirring，inthemorning，withtwokeepers;buteventhenhishandsareconfined。\"
\"What！ishesounruly？\"enquiredMaria，withanaccentofdisappointment。
\"No，notthatIperceive，\"repliedJemima;\"buthehasanuntamedlook，avehemenceofeye，thatexcitesapprehension。Werehishandsfree，helooksasifhecouldsoonmanagebothhisguards：
yetheappearstranquil。\"
\"Ifhebesostrong，hemustbeyoung，\"observedMaria。
\"Threeorfourandthirty，Isuppose;butthereisnojudgingofapersoninhissituation。\"
\"Areyousurethatheismad？\"interruptedMariawitheagerness。
Jemimaquittedtheroom，withoutreplying。
\"No，no，hecertainlyisnot！\"exclaimedMaria，answeringherself;\"themanwhocouldwritethoseobservationswasnotdisorderedinhisintellects。\"
Shesatmusing，gazingatthemoon，andwatchingitsmotionasitseemedtoglideundertheclouds。Then，preparingforbed，shethought，\"OfwhatusecouldIbetohim，orhetome，ifitbetruethatheisunjustlyconfined？——Couldheaidmetoescape，whoishimselfmorecloselywatched？——StillIshouldliketoseehim。\"
Shewenttobed，dreamedofherchild，yetwokeexactlyathalfafterfiveo’clock，andstartingup，onlywrappedagownaroundher，andrantothewindow。Themorningwaschill，itwasthelatterendofSeptember;yetshedidnotretiretowarmherselfandthinkinbed，tillthesoundoftheservants，movingaboutthehouse，convincedherthattheunknownwouldnotwalkinthegardenthatmorning。Shewasashamedatfeelingdisappointed;andbegantoreflect，asanexcusetoherself，onthelittleobjectswhichattractattentionwhenthereisnothingtodivertthemind;andhowdifficultitwasforwomentoavoidgrowingromantic，whohavenoactivedutiesorpursuits。
Atbreakfast，JemimaenquiredwhethersheunderstoodFrench？
for，unlessshedid，thestranger’sstockofbookswasexhausted。
Mariarepliedintheaffirmative;butforboretoaskanymorequestionsrespectingthepersontowhomtheybelonged。AndJemimagaveheranewsubjectforcontemplation，bydescribingthepersonofalovelymaniac，justbroughtintoanadjoiningchamber。ShewassingingthepatheticballadofoldRob*withthemostheart—meltingfallsandpauses。Jemimahadhalf—openedthedoor，whenshedistinguishedhervoice，andMariastoodclosetoit，scarcelydaringtorespire，lestamodulationshouldescapeher，soexquisitelysweet，sopassionatelywild。Shebeganwithsympathytopourtraytoherselfanothervictim，whenthelovelywarblerflew，asitwere，fromthespray，andatorrentofunconnectedexclamationsandquestionsburstfromher，interruptedbyfitsoflaughter，sohorrid，thatMariashutthedoor，and，turninghereyesuptoheaven，exclaimed——\"GraciousGod！\"
*Ablankspaceabouttencharactersinlengthoccurshereintheoriginaledition[Publisher’snote]。
SeveralminuteselapsedbeforeMariacouldenquirerespectingtherumourofthehouse（forthispoorwretchwasobviouslynotconfinedwithoutacause）;andthenJemimacouldonlytellher，thatitwassaid，\"shehadbeenmarried，againstherinclination，toaricholdman，extremelyjealous（nowonder，forshewasacharmingcreature）;andthat，inconsequenceofhistreatment，orsomethingwhichhungonhermind，shehad，duringherfirstlying—in，losthersenses。\"
Whatasubjectofmeditation——eventotheveryconfinesofmadness。
\"Woman，fragileflower！whywereyousufferedtoadornaworldexposedtotheinroadofsuchstormyelements？\"thoughtMaria，whilethepoormaniac’sstrainwasstillbreathingonherear，andsinkingintoherverysoul。
Towardstheevening，JemimabroughtherRousseau’sHeloise;
andshesatreadingwitheyesandheart，tillthereturnofherguardtoextinguishthelight。Oneinstanceofherkindnesswas，thepermittingMariatohaveone，tillherownhourofretiringtorest。Shehadreadthisworklongsince;butnowitseemedtoopenanewworldtoher——theonlyoneworthinhabiting。Sleepwasnottobewooed;yet，farfrombeingfatiguedbytherestlessrotationofthought，sheroseandopenedherwindow，justasthethinwaterycloudsoftwilightmadethelongsilentshadowsvisible。Theairsweptacrossherfacewithavoluptuousfreshnessthatthrilledtoherheart，awakeningindefinableemotions;andthesoundofawavingbranch，orthetwitteringofastartledbird，alonebrokethestillnessofreposingnature。Absorbedbythesublimesensibilitywhichrenderstheconsciousnessofexistencefelicity，Mariawashappy，tillanautumnalscent，waftedbythebreezeofmornfromthefallenleavesoftheadjacentwood，madeherrecollectthattheseasonhadchangedsinceherconfinement;yetlifeaffordednovarietytosolaceanafflictedheart。Shereturneddispiritedtohercouch，andthoughtofherchildtillthebroadglareofdayagaininvitedhertothewindow。Shelookednotfortheunknown，stillhowgreatwashervexationatperceivingthebackofaman，certainlyhe，withhistwoattendants，asheturnedintoaside—pathwhichledtothehouse！Aconfusedrecollectionofhavingseensomebodywhoresembledhim，immediatelyoccurred，topuzzleandtormentherwithendlessconjectures。Fiveminutessooner，andsheshouldhaveseenhisface，andbeenoutofsuspense——waseveranythingsounlucky！Hissteady，boldstep，andthewholeairofhisperson，burstingasitwerefromacloud，pleasedher，andgaveanoutlinetotheimaginationtosketchtheindividualformshewishedtorecognize。
Feelingthedisappointmentmoreseverelythanshewaswillingtobelieve，sheflewtoRousseau，asheronlyrefugefromtheideaofhim，whomightproveafriend，couldshebutfindawaytointeresthiminherfate;stillthepersonificationofSaintPreux，orofanidealloverfarsuperior，wasafterthisimperfectmodel，ofwhichmerelyaglancehadbeencaught，eventotheminutiaeofthecoatandhatofthestranger。ButifshelentSt。Preux，orthedemi—godofherfancy，hisform，sherichlyrepaidhimbythedonationofallSt。Preux’ssentimentsandfeelings，culledtogratifyherown，towhichheseemedtohaveanundoubtedright，whenshereadonthemarginofanimpassionedletter，writteninthewell—knownhand——\"Rousseaualone，thetruePrometheusofsentiment，possessedthefireofgeniusnecessarytopourtraythepassion，thetruthofwhichgoessodirectlytotheheart。\"
Mariawasagaintruetothehour，yethadfinishedRousseau，andbeguntotranscribesomeselectedpassages;unabletoquiteithertheauthororthewindow，beforeshehadaglimpseofthecountenanceshedailylongedtosee;and，whenseen，itconveyednodistinctideatohermindwhereshehadseenitbefore。Hemusthavebeenatransientacquaintance;buttodiscoveranacquaintancewasfortunate，couldshecontrivetoattracthisattention，andexcitehissympathy。
Everyglanceaffordedcolouringforthepictureshewasdelineatingonherheart;andonce，whenthewindowwashalfopen，thesoundofhisvoicereachedher。Convictionflashedonher;
shehadcertainly，inamomentofdistress，heardthesameaccents。
Theyweremanly，andcharacteristicofanoblemind;nay，evensweet——orsweettheyseemedtoherattentiveear。
Shestartedback，trembling，alarmedattheemotionastrangecoincidenceofcircumstancesinspired，andwonderingwhyshethoughtsomuchofastranger，obligedasshehadbeenbyhistimelyinterference;[forsherecollected，bydegreesallthecircumstancesoftheirformermeeting。]Shefoundhoweverthatshecouldthinkofnothingelse;or，ifshethoughtofherdaughter，itwastowishthatshehadafatherwhomhermothercouldrespectandlove。
CHAPTER3
WHENPERUSINGthefirstparcelofbooks，Mariahad，withherpencil，writteninoneofthemafewexclamations，expressiveofcompassionandsympathy，whichshescarcelyremembered，tillturningovertheleavesofoneofthevolumes，latelybroughttoher，aslipofpaperdroppedout，whichJemimahastilysnatchedup。
\"Letmeseeit，\"demandedMariaimpatiently，\"Yousurelyarenotafraidoftrustingmewiththeeffusionsofamadman？\"\"Imustconsider，\"repliedJemima;andwithdrew，withthepaperinherhand。
Inalifeofsuchseclusion，thepassionsgainundueforce;
Mariathereforefeltagreatdegreeofresentmentandvexation，whichshehadnottimetosubdue，beforeJemima，returning，deliveredthepaper。
\"Whoeveryouare，whopartakeofmyfate，acceptmysincerecommiseration——Iwouldhavesaidprotection;buttheprivilegeofmanisdeniedme。
\"Myownsituationforcesadreadfulsuspiciononmymind——Imaynotalwayslanguishinvainforfreedom——
sayareyou——Icannotaskthequestion;yetIwillrememberyouwhenmyremembrancecanbeofanyuse。
Iwillenquire，whyyouaresomysteriouslydetained——
andIwillhaveananswer。
\"HENRYDARNFORD。\"
Bythemostpressingintreaties，MariaprevailedonJemimatopermithertowriteareplytothisnote。Anotherandanothersucceeded，inwhichexplanationswerenotallowedrelativetotheirpresentsituation;butMaria，withsufficientexplicitness，alludedtoaformerobligation;andtheyinsensiblyenteredonaninterchangeofsentimentsonthemostimportantsubjects。Towritetheseletterswasthebusinessoftheday，andtoreceivethemthemomentofsunshine。Bysomemeans，DarnfordhavingdiscoveredMaria’swindow，whenshenextappearedatit，hemadeher，behindhiskeepers，aprofoundbowofrespectandrecognition。
Twoorthreeweeksglidedawayinthiskindofintercourse，duringwhichperiodJemima，towhomMariahadgiventhenecessaryinformationrespectingherfamily，hadevidentlygainedsomeintelligence，whichincreasedherdesireofpleasinghercharge，thoughshecouldnotyetdeterminetoliberateher。Mariatookadvantageofthisfavourablecharge，withouttoominutelyenquiringintothecause;andsuchwashereagernesstoholdhumanconverse，andtoseeherformerprotector，stillastrangertoher，thatsheincessantlyrequestedherguardtogratifyhermorethancuriosity。
WritingtoDarnford，shewasledfromthesadobjectsbeforeher，andfrequentlyrenderedinsensibletothehorridnoisesaroundher，whichpreviouslyhadcontinuallyemployedherfeverishfancy。
Thinkingitselfishtodwellonherownsufferings，wheninthemidstofwretches，whohadnotonlylostallthatendearslife，buttheirveryselves，herimaginationwasoccupiedwithmelancholyearnestnesstotracethemazesofmisery，throughwhichsomanywretchesmusthavepassedtothisgloomyreceptacleofdisjointedsouls，tothegrandsourceofhumancorruption。Oftenatmidnightwasshewakedbythedismalshrieksofdemoniacrage，orofexcruciatingdespair，utteredinsuchwildtonesofindescribableanguishasprovedthetotalabsenceofreason，androusedphantomsofhorrorinhermind，farmoreterrificthanallthatdreamingsuperstitioneverdrew。Besides，therewasfrequentlysomethingsoinconceivablypicturesqueinthevaryinggesturesofunrestrainedpassion，soirresistiblycomicintheirsallies，orsoheart—piercinglypatheticinthelittleairstheywouldsing，frequentlyburstingoutafteranawfulsilence，astofascinatetheattention，andamusethefancy，whiletorturingthesoul。Itwastheuproarofthepassionswhichshewascompelledtoobserve;
andtomarkthelucidbeamofreason，likealighttremblinginasocket，orliketheflashwhichdividesthethreateningcloudsofangryheavenonlytodisplaythehorrorswhichdarknessshrouded。
Jemimawouldlabourtobeguilethetediousevenings，bydescribingthepersonsandmannersoftheunfortunatebeings，whosefiguresorvoicesawokesympatheticsorrowinMaria’sbosom;andthestoriesshetoldwerethemoreinteresting，forperpetuallyleavingroomtoconjecturesomethingextraordinary。StillMaria，accustomedtogeneralizeherobservations，wasledtoconcludefromallsheheard，thatitwasavulgarerrortosupposethatpeopleofabilitieswerethemostapttolosethecommandofreason。Onthecontrary，frommostoftheinstancesshecouldinvestigate，shethoughtitresulted，thatthepassionsonlyappearedstronganddisproportioned，becausethejudgmentwasweakandunexercised;
andthattheygainedstrengthbythedecayofreason，astheshadowslengthenduringthesun’sdecline。
Mariaimpatientlywishedtoseeherfellow—sufferer;butDarnfordwasstillmoreearnesttoobtainaninterview。Accustomedtosubmittoeveryimpulseofpassion，andnevertaught，likewomen，torestrainthemostnatural，andacquire，insteadofthebewitchingfranknessofnature，afactitiousproprietyofbehaviour，everydesirebecameatorrentthatboredownallopposition。
Histravellingtrunk，whichcontainedthebookslenttoMaria，hadbeensenttohim，andwithapartofitscontentshebribedhisprincipalkeeper;who，afterreceivingthemostsolemnpromisethathewouldreturntohisapartmentwithoutattemptingtoexploreanypartofthehouse，conductedhim，intheduskoftheevening，toMaria’sroom。
Jemimahadapprizedherchargeofthevisit，andsheexpectedwithtremblingimpatience，inspiredbyavaguehopethathemightagainproveherdeliverer，toseeamanwhohadbeforerescuedherfromoppression。Heenteredwithananimationofcountenance，formedtocaptivateanenthusiast;and，hastilyturnedhiseyesfromhertotheapartment，whichhesurveyedwithapparentemotionsofcompassionateindignation。Sympathyilluminatedhiseye，and，takingherhand，herespectfullybowedonit，exclaiming——\"Thisisextraordinary！——againtomeetyou，andinsuchcircumstances！\"
Still，impressiveaswasthecoincidenceofeventswhichbroughtthemoncemoretogether，theirfullheartsdidnotoverflow。——*
*Thecopywhichhadreceivedtheauthor’slastcorrectionsbreaksoffinthisplace，andthepageswhichfollow，totheendofChap。IV，areprintedfromacopyinalessfinishedstate。
[Godwin’snote]
[Andthough，afterthisfirstvisit，theywerepermittedfrequentlytorepeattheirinterviews，theywereforsometimeemployedin]areservedconversation，towhichalltheworldmighthavelistened;excepting，whendiscussingsomeliterarysubject，flashesofsentiment，inforcedbyeachrelaxingfeature，seemedtoremindthemthattheirmindswerealreadyacquainted。
[Bydegrees，Darnfordenteredintotheparticularsofhisstory。]Inafewwords，heinformedherthathehadbeenathoughtless，extravagantyoungman;yet，ashedescribedhisfaults，theyappearedtobethegenerousluxuriancyofanoblemind。
Nothinglikemeannesstarnishedthelustreofhisyouth，norhadthewormofselfishnesslurkedintheunfoldingbud，evenwhilehehadbeenthedupeofothers。Yethetardilyacquiredtheexperiencenecessarytoguardhimagainstfutureimposition。
\"Ishallwearyyou，\"continuedhe，\"bymyegotism;anddidnotpowerfulemotionsdrawmetoyou，\"——hiseyesglistenedashespoke，andatremblingseemedtorunthroughhismanlyframe，——
\"Iwouldnotwastethesepreciousmomentsintalkingofmyself。
\"Myfatherandmotherwerepeopleoffashion;marriedbytheirparents。Hewasfondoftheturf，sheofthecard—table。I，andtwoorthreeotherchildrensincedead，werekeptathometillwebecameintolerable。Myfatherandmotherhadavisibledisliketoeachother，continuallydisplayed;theservantswereofthedepravedkindusuallyfoundinthehousesofpeopleoffortune。Mybrothersandparentsalldying，Iwaslefttothecareofguardians;andsenttoEton。Ineverknewthesweetsofdomesticaffection，butIfeltthewantofindulgenceandfrivolousrespectatschool。
Iwillnotdisgustyouwitharecitalofthevicesofmyyouth，whichcanscarcelybecomprehendedbyfemaledelicacy。IwastaughttolovebyacreatureIamashamedtomention;andtheotherwomenwithwhomIafterwardsbecameintimate，wereofaclassofwhichyoucanhavenoknowledge。Iformedmyacquaintancewiththematthetheaters;and，whenvivacitydancedintheireyes，Iwasnoteasilydisgustedbythevulgaritywhichflowedfromtheirlips。
Havingspent，afewyearsafterIwasofage，[thewholeof]aconsiderablepatrimony，exceptingafewhundreds，Ihadnoresourcebuttopurchaseacommissioninanew—raisedregiment，destinedtosubjugateAmerica。TheregretIfelttorenouncealifeofpleasure，wascounter—balancedbythecuriosityIhadtoseeAmerica，orrathertotravel;[norhadanyofthosecircumstancesoccurredtomyyouth，whichmighthavebeencalculated]tobindmycountrytomyheart。Ishallnottroubleyouwiththedetailsofamilitarylife。Mybloodwasstillkeptinmotion;till，towardsthecloseofthecontest，Iwaswoundedandtakenprisoner。
\"Confinedtomybed，orchair，byalingeringcure，myonlyrefugefromthepreyingactivityofmymind，wasbooks，whichI
readwithgreatavidity，profitingbytheconversationofmyhost，amanofsoundunderstanding。Mypoliticalsentimentsnowunderwentatotalchange;and，dazzledbythehospitalityoftheAmericans，Ideterminedtotakeupmyabodewithfreedom。I，therefore，withmyusualimpetuosity，soldmycommission，andtravelledintotheinteriorpartsofthecountry，tolayoutmymoneytoadvantage。
Addedtothis，Ididnotmuchlikethepuritanicalmannersofthelargetowns。Inequalityofconditionwastheremostdisgustinglygalling。Theonlypleasurewealthafforded，wastomakeanostentatiousdisplayofit;forthecultivationofthefinearts，orliterature，hadnotintroducedintothefirstcirclesthatpolishofmannerswhichrenderstherichsoessentiallysuperiortothepoorinEurope。Addedtothis，aninfluxofviceshadbeenletinbytheRevolution，andthemostrigidprinciplesofreligionshakentothecentre，beforetheunderstandingcouldbegraduallyemancipatedfromtheprejudiceswhichledtheirancestorsundauntedlytoseekaninhospitableclimeandunbrokensoil。Theresolution，thatledthem，inpursuitofindependence，toembarkonriverslikeseas，tosearchforunknownshores，andtosleepunderthehoveringmistsofendlessforests，whosebalefuldampsaguedtheirlimbs，wasnowturnedintocommercialspeculations，tillthenationalcharacterexhibitedaphenomenoninthehistoryofthehumanmind——aheadenthusiasticallyenterprising，withcoldselfishnessofheart。
Andwoman，lovelywoman！——theycharmeverywhere——stillthereisadegreeofprudery，andawantoftasteandeaseinthemannersoftheAmericanwomen，thatrendersthem，inspiteoftheirrosesandlilies，farinferiortoourEuropeancharmers。Inthecountry，theyhaveoftenabewitchingsimplicityofcharacter;but，inthecities，theyhavealltheairsandignoranceoftheladieswhogivethetonetothecirclesofthelargetradingtownsinEngland。
Theyarefondoftheirornaments，merelybecausetheyaregood，andnotbecausetheyembellishtheirpersons;andaremoregratifiedtoinspirethewomenwithjealousyoftheseexterioradvantages，thanthemenwithlove。Allthefrivolitywhichoften（excuseme，Madam）rendersthesocietyofmodestwomensostupidinEngland，hereseemedtothrowstillmoreleadenfettersontheircharms。
Notbeinganadeptingallantry，IfoundthatIcouldonlykeepmyselfawakeintheircompanybymakingdownrightlovetothem。
\"But，nottointrudeonyourpatience，IretiredtothetrackoflandwhichIhadpurchasedinthecountry，andmytimepassedpleasantlyenoughwhileIcutdownthetrees，builtmyhouse，andplantedmydifferentcrops。Butwinterandidlenesscame，andI
longedformoreelegantsociety，tohearwhatwaspassingintheworld，andtodosomethingbetterthanvegetatewiththeanimalsthatmadeaveryconsiderablepartofmyhousehold。Consequently，Ideterminedtotravel。Motionwasasubstituteforvarietyofobjects;and，passingoverimmensetracksofcountry，Iexhaustedmyexuberantspirits，withoutobtainingmuchexperience。Ieverywheresawindustrythefore—runnerandnottheconsequence，ofluxury;butthiscountry，everythingbeingonanamplescale，didnotaffordthosepicturesqueviews，whichacertaindegreeofcultivationisnecessarygraduallytoproduce。Theeyewanderedwithoutanobjecttofixuponoverimmeasureableplains，andlakesthatseemedreplenishedbytheocean，whilsteternalforestsofsmallclusteringtrees，obstructedthecirculationofair，andembarrassedthepath，withoutgratifyingtheeyeoftaste。Nocottagesmilinginthewaste，notravellershailedus，togivelifetosilentnature;or，ifperchancewesawtheprintofafootstepinourpath，itwasadreadfulwarningtoturnaside;andtheheadachedasifassailedbythescalpingknife。TheIndianswhohoveredontheskirtsoftheEuropeansettlementshadonlylearnedoftheirneighbourstoplunder，andtheystoletheirgunsfromthemtodoitwithmoresafety。
\"Fromthewoodsandbacksettlements，Ireturnedtothetowns，andlearnedtoeatanddrinkmostvaliantly;butwithoutenteringintocommerce（andIdetestedcommerce）IfoundIcouldnotlivethere;and，growingheartilywearyofthelandoflibertyandvulgararistocracy，seatedonherbagsofdollars，IresolvedoncemoretovisitEurope。IwrotetoadistantrelationinEngland，withwhomIhadbeeneducated，mentioningthevesselinwhichIintendedtosail。ArrivinginLondon，mysenseswereintoxicated。Iranfromstreettostreet，fromtheatertotheater，andthewomenofthetown（againImustbegpardonformyhabitualfrankness）
appearedtomelikeangels。
\"Aweekwasspentinthisthoughtlessmanner，when，returningverylatetothehotelinwhichIhadlodgedeversincemyarrival，Iwasknockeddowninaprivatestreet，andhurried，inastateofinsensibility，intoacoach，whichbroughtmehither，andIonlyrecoveredmysensestobetreatedlikeonewhohadlostthem。Mykeepersaredeaftomyremonstrancesandenquiries，yetassuremethatmyconfinementshallnotlastlong。StillIcannotguess，thoughIwearymyselfwithconjectures，whyIamconfined，orinwhatpartofEnglandthishouseissituated。IimaginesometimesthatIhearthesearoar，andwishedmyselfagainontheAtlantic，tillIhadaglimpseofyou。\"*
AfewmomentswereonlyallowedtoMariatocommentonthisnarrative，whenDarnfordlefthertoherownthoughts，tothe\"neverending，stillbeginning，\"taskofweighinghiswords，recollectinghistonesofvoice，andfeelingthemreverberateonherheart。
*TheintroductionofDarnfordasthedelivererofMariainaformerinstance，appearstohavebeenanafter—thoughtoftheauthor。Thishasoccasionedtheomissionofanyallusiontothatcircumstanceintheprecedingnarration。
EDITOR。[Godwin’snote]
CHAPTER4
PITY，andtheforlornseriousnessofadversity，havebothbeenconsideredasdispositionsfavourabletolove，whilesatiricalwritershaveattributedthepropensitytotherelaxingeffectofidleness;whatchancethenhadMariaofescaping，whenpity，sorrow，andsolitudeallconspiredtosoftenhermind，andnourishromanticwishes，and，fromanaturalprogress，romanticexpectations？
Mariawassix—and—twenty。But，suchwasthenativesoundnessofherconstitution，thattimehadonlygiventohercountenancethecharacterofhermind。Revolvingthought，andexercisedaffectionshadbanishedsomeoftheplayfulgracesofinnocence，producinginsensiblythatirregularityoffeatureswhichthestrugglesoftheunderstandingtotraceorgovernthestrongemotionsoftheheart，arewonttoimprintontheyieldingmass。Griefandcarehadmellowed，withoutobscuring，thebrighttintsofyouth，andthethoughtfulnesswhichresidedonherbrowdidnottakefromthefemininesoftnessofherfeatures;nay，suchwasthesensibilitywhichoftenmantledoverit，thatshefrequentlyappeared，likealargeproportionofhersex，onlyborntofeel;andtheactivityofherwell—proportioned，andevenalmostvoluptuousfigure，inspiredtheideaofstrengthofmind，ratherthanofbody。Therewasasimplicitysometimesindeedinhermanner，whichborderedoninfantineingenuousness，thatledpeopleofcommondiscernmenttounderratehertalents，andsmileattheflightsofherimagination。
Butthosewhocouldnotcomprehendthedelicacyofhersentiments，wereattachedbyherunfailingsympathy，sothatshewasverygenerallybelovedbycharactersofverydifferentdescriptions;
still，shewastoomuchundertheinfluenceofanardentimaginationtoadheretocommonrules。
Therearemistakesofconductwhichatfive—and—twentyprovethestrengthofthemind，that，tenorfifteenyearsafter，woulddemonstrateitsweakness，itsincapacitytoacquireasanejudgment。
Theyouthswhoaresatisfiedwiththeordinarypleasuresoflife，anddonotsighafteridealphantomsofloveandfriendship，willneverarriveatgreatmaturityofunderstanding;butifthesereveriesarecherished，asistoofrequentlythecasewithwomen，whenexperienceoughttohavetaughttheminwhathumanhappinessconsists，theybecomeasuselessastheyarewretched。Besides，theirpainsandpleasuresaresodependentonoutwardcircumstances，ontheobjectsoftheiraffections，thattheyseldomactfromtheimpulseofanervedmind，abletochooseitsownpursuit。
Havinghadtostruggleincessantlywiththevicesofmankind，Maria’simaginationfoundreposeinpourtrayingthepossiblevirtuestheworldmightcontain。Pygmalionformedanivorymaid，andlongedforaninformingsoul。She，onthecontrary，combinedallthequalitiesofahero’smind，andfatepresentedastatueinwhichshemightenshrinethem。
Wemeannottotracetheprogressofthispassion，orrecounthowoftenDarnfordandMariawereobligedtopartinthemidstofaninterestingconversation。Jemimaeverwatchedonthetip—toeoffear，andfrequentlyseparatedthemonafalsealarm，whentheywouldhavegivenworldstoremainalittlelongertogether。
AmagiclampnowseemedtobesuspendedinMaria’sprison，andfairylandscapesflittedroundthegloomywalls，latesoblank。
Rushingfromthedepthofdespair，ontheseraphwingofhope，shefoundherselfhappy。——Shewasbeloved，andeveryemotionwasrapturous。
ToDarnfordshehadnotshownadecidedaffection;thefearofoutrunninghis，asureproofoflove，madeheroftenassumeacoldnessandindifferenceforeignfromhercharacter;and，evenwhengivingwaytotheplayfulemotionsofaheartjustloosenedfromthefrozenbondofgrief，therewasadelicacyinhermannerofexpressinghersensibility，whichmadehimdoubtwhetheritwastheeffectoflove。
Oneevening，whenJemimaleftthem，tolistentothesoundofadistantfootstep，whichseemedcautiouslytoapproach，heseizedMaria’shand——itwasnotwithdrawn。Theyconversedwithearnestnessoftheirsituation;and，duringtheconversation，heonceortwicegentlydrewhertowardshim。Hefeltthefragranceofherbreath，andlonged，yetfeared，totouchthelipsfromwhichitissued;
spiritsofpurityseemedtoguardthem，whilealltheenchantinggracesoflovesportedonhercheeks，andlanguishedinhereyes。
Jemimaentering，hereflectedonhisdiffidencewithpoignantregret，and，sheoncemoretakingalarm，heventured，asMariastoodnearhischair，toapproachherlipswithadeclarationoflove。Shedrewbackwithsolemnity，hehungdownhisheadabashed;
butliftinghiseyestimidly，theymether’s;shehaddetermined，duringthatinstant，andsufferedtheirraystomingle。Hetook，withmoreardour，reassured，ahalf—consenting，half—reluctantkiss，reluctantonlyfrommodesty;andtherewasasacrednessinherdignifiedmannerofrecliningherglowingfaceonhisshoulder，thatpowerfullyimpressedhim。Desirewaslostinmoreineffableemotions，andtoprotectherfrominsultandsorrow——tomakeherhappy，seemednotonlythefirstwishofhisheart，butthemostnobledutyofhislife。Suchangelicconfidencedemandedthefidelityofhonour;butcouldhe，feelingherineverypulsation，couldheeverchange，couldhebeavillain？Theemotionwithwhichshe，foramoment，allowedherselftobepressedtohisbosom，thetearofrapturoussympathy，mingledwithasoftmelancholysentimentofrecollecteddisappointment，said——moreoftruthandfaithfulness，thanthetonguecouldhavegivenutterancetoinhours！Theyweresilent——yetdiscoursed，howeloquently？till，afteramoment’sreflection，Mariadrewherchairbythesideofhis，and，withacomposedsweetnessofvoice，andsupernaturalbenignityofcountenance，said，\"Imustopenmywholehearttoyou;youmustbetoldwhoIam，whyIamhere，andwhy，tellingyouIamawife，Iblushnotto\"——theblushspoketherest。
Jemimawasagainatherelbow，andtherestraintofherpresencedidnotpreventananimatedconversation，inwhichlove，slyurchin，waseveratbo—peep。
Somuchofheavendidtheyenjoy，thatparadisebloomedaroundthem;orthey，byapowerfulspell，hadbeentransportedintoArmida’sgarden。Love，thegrandenchanter，\"lapttheminElysium，\"
andeverysensewasharmonizedtojoyandsocialextacy。
Soanimated，indeed，weretheiraccentsoftenderness，indiscussingwhat，inothercircumstances，wouldhavebeencommonplacesubjects，thatJemimafelt，withsurprise，atearofpleasuretricklingdownherruggedcheeks。Shewipeditaway，halfashamed;andwhenMariakindlyenquiredthecause，withalltheeagersolicitudeofahappybeingwishingtoimparttoallnatureitsoverflowingfelicity，Jemimaownedthatitwasthefirsttearthatsocialenjoymenthadeverdrawnfromher。Sheseemedindeedtobreathemorefreely;
thecloudofsuspicionclearedawayfromherbrow;shefeltherself，foronceinherlife，treatedlikeafellow—creature。
Imagination！whocanpaintthypower;orreflecttheevanescenttintsofhopefosteredbythee？AdespondentgloomhadlongobscuredMaria’shorizon——nowthesunbrokeforth，therainbowappeared，andeveryprospectwasfair。Horrorstillreignedinthedarkenedcells，suspicionlurkedinthepassages，andwhisperedalongthewalls。Theyellsofmenpossessed，sometimes，madethempause，andwonderthattheyfeltsohappy，inatomboflivingdeath。
Theyevenchidthemselvesforsuchapparentinsensibility;stilltheworldcontainednotthreehappierbeings。AndJemima，afteragainpatrollingthepassage，wassosoftenedbytheairofconfidencewhichbreathedaroundher，thatshevoluntarilybegananaccountofherself。
CHAPTER5
\"MYFATHER，\"saidJemima，\"seducedmymother，aprettygirl，withwhomhelivedfellow—servant;andshenosoonerperceivedthenatural，thedreadedconsequence，thantheterribleconvictionflashedonher——thatshewasruined。Honesty，andaregardforherreputation，hadbeentheonlyprinciplesinculcatedbyhermother;
andtheyhadbeensoforciblyimpressed，thatshefearedshame，morethanthepovertytowhichitwouldlead。Herincessantimportunitiestoprevailuponmyfathertoscreenherfromreproachbymarryingher，ashehadpromisedinthefervourofseduction，estrangedhimfromhersocompletely，thatherverypersonbecamedistastefultohim;andhebegantohate，aswellasdespiseme，beforeIwasborn。
\"Mymother，grievedtothesoulbyhisneglect，andunkindtreatment，actuallyresolvedtofamishherself;andinjuredherhealthbytheattempt;thoughshehadnotsufficientresolutiontoadheretoherproject，orrenounceitentirely。Deathcamenotathercall;yetsorrow，andthemethodssheadoptedtoconcealhercondition，stilldoingtheworkofahouse—maid，hadsuchaneffectonherconstitution，thatshediedinthewretchedgarret，wherehervirtuousmistresshadforcedhertotakerefugeintheverypangsoflabour，thoughmyfather，afteraslightreproof，wasallowedtoremaininhisplace——allowedbythemotherofsixchildren，who，scarcelypermittingafootsteptobeheard，duringhermonth’sindulgence，feltnosympathyforthepoorwretch，deniedeverycomfortrequiredbyhersituation。
\"Thedaymymother，died，theninthaftermybirth，Iwasconsignedtothecareofthecheapestnursemyfathercouldfind;
whosuckledherownchildatthesametime，andlodgedasmanymoreasshecouldget，intwocellar—likeapartments。
\"Poverty，andthehabitofseeingchildrendieoffherhands，hadsohardenedherheart，thattheofficeofamotherdidnotawakenthetendernessofawoman;norwerethefemininecaresseswhichseemapartoftherearingofachild，everbestowedonme。
Thechickenhasawingtoshelterunder;butIhadnobosomtonestlein，nokindredwarmthtofosterme。Leftindirt，tocrywithcoldandhungertillIwasweary，andsleepwithouteverbeingpreparedbyexercise，orlulledbykindnesstorest;couldIbeexpectedtobecomeanythingbutaweakandricketybabe？Still，inspiteofneglect，Icontinuedtoexist，tolearntocurseexistence，[hercountenancegrewferociousasshespoke，]andthetreatmentthatrenderedmemiserable，seemedtosharpenmywits。
Confinedtheninadamphovel，torockthecradleofthesucceedingtribe，Ilookedlikealittleoldwoman，orahagshrivellingintonothing。Thefurrowsofreflectionandcarecontractedtheyouthfulcheek，andgaveasortofsupernaturalwildnesstotheeverwatchfuleye。Duringthisperiod，myfatherhadmarriedanotherfellow—servant，wholovedhimless，andknewbetterhowtomanagehispassion，thanmymother。Shelikewiseprovingwithchild，theyagreedtokeepashop：mystep—mother，if，beinganillegitimateoffspring，Imayventurethustocharacterizeher，havingobtainedasumofarichrelation，forthatpurpose。
\"Soonafterherlying—in，sheprevailedonmyfathertotakemehome，tosavetheexpenseofmaintainingme，andofhiringagirltoassistherinthecareofthechild。Iwasyoung，itwastrue，butappearedaknowinglittlething，andmightbemadehandy。
AccordinglyIwasbroughttoherhouse;butnottoahome——forahomeIneverknew。Ofthischild，adaughter，shewasextravagantlyfond;anditwasapartofmyemployment，toassisttospoilher，byhumouringallherwhims，andbearingallhercaprices。Feelingherownconsequence，beforeshecouldspeak，shehadlearnedtheartoftormentingme，andifIeverdaredtoresist，Ireceivedblows，laidonwithnocompunctioushand，orwassenttobeddinnerless，aswellassupperless。Isaidthatitwasapartofmydailylabourtoattendthischild，withtheservilityofaslave;
stillitwasbutapart。Iwassentoutinallseasons，andfromplacetoplace，tocarryburdensfarabovemystrength，withoutbeingallowedtodrawnearthefire，oreverbeingcheeredbyencouragementorkindness。Nowonderthen，treatedlikeacreatureofanotherspecies，thatIbegantoenvy，andatlengthtohate，thedarlingofthehouse。Yet，Iperfectlyremember，thatitwasthecaresses，andkindexpressionsofmystep—mother，whichfirstexcitedmyjealousdiscontent。Once，Icannotforgetit，whenshewascallinginvainherwaywardchildtokissher，Irantoher，saying，’Iwillkissyou，ma’am！’andhowdidmyheart，whichwasinmymouth，sink，whatwasmydebasementofsoul，whenpushedawaywith——’Idonotwantyou，pertthing！’Anotherday，whenanewgownhadexcitedthehighestgoodhumour，andsheutteredtheappropriatedear，addressedunexpectedlytome，IthoughtIcouldneverdoenoughtopleaseher;Iwasallalacrity，androseproportionablyinmyownestimation。
\"Asherdaughtergrewup，shewaspamperedwithcakesandfruit，whileIwas，literallyspeaking，fedwiththerefuseofthetable，withherleavings。Aliquorishtoothis，Ibelieve，commontochildren，andIusedtostealanythingsweet，thatIcouldcatchupwithachanceofconcealment。Whendetected，shewasnotcontenttochastizemeherselfatthemoment，but，onmyfather’sreturnintheevening（hewasashopman），theprincipaldiscoursewastorecountmyfaults，andattributethemtothewickeddispositionwhichIhadbroughtintotheworldwithme，inheritedfrommymother。Hedidnotfailtoleavethemarksofhisresentmentonmybody，andthensolacedhimselfbyplayingwithmysister。——Icouldhavemurderedheratthosemoments。Tosavemyselffromtheseunmercifulcorrections，Iresortedtofalshood，andtheuntruthswhichIsturdilymaintained，werebroughtinjudgmentagainstme，tosupportmytyrant’sinhumanchargeofmynaturalpropensitytovice。Seeingmetreatedwithcontempt，andalwaysbeingfedanddressedbetter，mysisterconceivedacontemptuousopinionofme，thatprovedanobstacletoallaffection;andmyfather，hearingcontinuallyofmyfaults，begantoconsidermeasacurseentailedonhimforhissins：hewasthereforeeasilyprevailedontobindmeapprenticetooneofmystep—mother’sfriends，whokeptaslop—shopinWapping。Iwasrepresented（asitwassaid）inmytruecolours;butshe，’warranted，’snappingherfingers，’thatsheshouldbreakmyspiritorheart。’
\"Mymotherreplied，withawhine，’thatifanybodycouldmakemebetter，itwassuchacleverwomanasherself;though，forherownpart，shehadtriedinvain;butgood—naturewasherfault。’
\"Ishudderwithhorror，whenIrecollectthetreatmentIhadnowtoendure。Notonlyunderthelashofmytask—mistress，butthedrudgeofthemaid，apprenticesandchildren，Ineverhadatasteofhumankindnesstosoftentherigourofperpetuallabour。