appalled by the thought that she may not continue with us long. Nothing sustains me now but the thought that God, who saw fit to restore me to life when I was so very willing to leave it, — more so, perhaps, than I shall ever be again, — must have some good work for me to do.’
‘Nov. 3, 1835. — I thought I should be able to write
ere now, how our affairs were settled, but that time has
not come yet. My father left no will, and, in
consequence, our path is hedged in by many petty difficulties.
He has left less property than we had anticipated,
for he was not fortunate in his investments in
real estate. There will, however, be enough to maintain
my mother, and educate the children decently. I
have often had reason to regret being of the softer sex,
and never more than now. If I were an eldest son, I
could be guardian to my brothers and sister, administer
the estate, and really become the head of my family.
As it is, I am very ignorant of the management and
value of property, and of practical details. I always
hated the din of such affairs, and hoped to find a life-long
refuge from them in the serene world of literature
and the arts. But I am now full of desire to learn
them, that I may be able to advise and act, where it is
necessary. The same mind which has made other
attainments, can, in time, compass these, however
uncongenial to its nature and habits.’
‘I shall be obliged to give up selfishness in the end.
May God enable me to see the way clear, and not to
let down the intellectual, in raising the moral tone of
my mind. Difficulties and duties became distinct the
