only to display her powers, his uncompromising idealism seeming narrow and hard when contrasted with her glowing realism. “She proceeds in her search after the unity of things, the divine harmony, not by exclusion, as Emerson does, but by comprehension, and so no poorest, saddest spirit but she will lead to hope and faith."
Margaret's classes continued through six winters. The number of those present varied from twenty-five to thirty. In 1841-42 the general subject was Ethics, under which head the Family, the School, the Church, Society, and Literature were all discussed, and with a special reference to "the influences on woman." In the printer next after this, we have notes of the following topics: Is the Ideal first or last, Divination or Experience? Persons who never awake to Life in this World; Mistakes; Faith; Creeds; Woman; Demonology; Influence; Roman Catholicism; The Ideal.
In the season of 1813-44, a number of themes were considered under the general head of Education. Among these were Culture, Ignorance, Vanity, Prudence, and Patience. These happy labours came to an end in April of the year 1844, when Margaret parted from her class with many'tokens of their love and gratitude. After speaking of affectionate words, beautiful gifts, and rare flowers, she says:—
How noble has been my experience of such relations now for six years, and with so many and so various minds! Life is worth living, is it not?”
Margaret had answered Mr. Mallock's question before it was asked.
