Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/274

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266
ERNESTINE L. ROSE

According to her biographer, Mrs. Jenny P. D'Hericourt, it was during her residence in London that she became acquainted with Mr. Rose, an Englishman of broad, liberal views. They were married in due form, but by a civil magistrate, as neither of them had any faith in creeds or priests, and considered marriage to be a civil contract, founded on mutual esteem and love, rather than a religious ceremony.

In May, 1836, they left England for America, the land which has ever had a magnetic attraction for all lovers of liberty. Here she at first, and for many years, devoted herself to lecturing on those subjects which most interested her. She did not do this to the neglect of her home duties, but only as she found the time to spare from her household and maternal cares, Mr. Rose aiding and encouraging her by every means in his power.

There can be little doubt that if Mrs. Rose had been less true to herself than she has always been; if she had been content to