Page:Daughters of Genius.djvu/399

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LADY MORGAN. 391 of her notes from Lord Abercorn begin simply " Dear Little Glo." The book had an immediate and triumphant success, and from that time until her death she was one of the most conspicuous figures in the literature and society of her day. In 1810, after much hesitation, she once more resigned her liberty to accept the pressing invitation of Lord and Lady Abercorn to become a member of their household. This decision affected the course of her whole life, since it was at their house that she met her future husband, Sir Charles, then plain Doctor Morgan. Lady Abercorn, a benevolent but not very adroit woman, equally attached to her sprightly companion and her handsome young physician, soon determined to arrange a match between them. It was some time before they met ; but she made such good use of her opportunities to praise each to the other, that Miss Owenson (at her request) had already written a humorous mock " Diploma of the University of Saint Glorvina " for the doctor, before ever seeing him ; while that gentleman on his part conceived so deep a prejudice against a woman whom he pictured as an uncomfortable paragon, that he determined to avoid her at all hazards. But fate decreed otherwise. One day, as he was quietly seated talking with Lady Abercorn, the door opened and a servant announced " Miss Owenson." He started to his feet at once, intent upon flight ; there was but one door ; and, as Miss Owenson entered it, she caught a glimpse of the dismayed Doctor just escaping by the window. This was a little too much to be borne. Her vanity was touched, and when they were at last brought together she exerted herself to the utmost to please him, with such alarming success that he fell desperately in love with her ; and, Lord and Lady Abercorn helping him to urge his suit, he was engaged to her at the end of a month. But