principally to the study of French, Spanish, and music, and never turned Aside from these important occupations by the calls made upon her by society, which her social accomplishments rendered her so well fitted to adorn. During the first two years of her married life she published her first works, two volumes of poems, which, however, do not possess more merit than belongs to the ordinary run of juvenile productions. She occasionally exercised her skill in writing and arranging little dramatic pieces for private performance, which amusements lent their aid in embellishing this brilliant period of her life.
Mrs. Mowatt's health now began to decline—great fears were entertained of consumption—and a voyage to Europe was decided upon. Mr. Mowatt's professional engagements prevented his leaving New York, she accompanied some members of her family abroad. She remained in Bremen three months, when, being joined by her husband, they repaired to Paris. Here, where they had every opportunity of mingling in the most influential society of that gay and intelligent capital, she found time for study. She devoted herself to the acquirement of the Italian language, and wrote a play, in five acts, called "Guizare, or the Persian Slave," which was afterwards published, though originally written for a private circle. After an absence of a year and a half, they returned to the United States; soon after which, clouds began to darken over their once prosperous career. In consequence of Mr. Mowatt's residence abroad, and partly from an affection of the eyes, he gave up his profession of the law, and embarked to a considerable extent in commercial speculations. Unfortunately, very soon after, one of those commercial crisis occurred that convulse the whole mercantile world, and ruin, which it was impossible to avert, was impending over them. The weakness of his eyes prevented Mr. Mowatt from returning to his profession, and they were without resource.
Some time before these domestic events occurred, dramatic readings had met with great success in various cities of the Union. Mrs. Mowatt had heard these readings, and when their misfortunes fell upon them, the idea of turning her own talents to account in the same manner occurred to her. She had many difficulties to contend with in taking such a step. The injustice of society, which degrades woman in the social scale, if by her own honourable exertions she endeavours to labour for money, would operate against her, and of course influence her friends to oppose a project which must bring her before the public almost in the character of a dramatic performer. The consent of her husband being obtained however, she quietly made all the arrangements for her first attempt, which was to take place in Boston, delaying to inform her father of the step she contemplated, till her departure for that city She had, however, the happiness to receive his full approval before her first appearance. Her success in Boston far exceeded her expectations; and in Providence and New York, where she continued her readings, it was confirmed. Mrs. Mowatt suffered much from the disapprobation expressed by her friends at her having undertaken this public career, which was deemed by them a degradation—a forfeiture of caste. Her health gave way, and for two years she was a confirmed invalid.
About this time, Mr. Mowatt became principal partner in a publishing concern, and the whole force of Mrs. Mowatt's mind
