To finish this sketch, it behoves us to say, that in all the various works which have been produced by this Lady’s pen, every thing good, and wise, and virtuous, and pious, is inculcated with all the force of her talents. We believe that her writings, as they have had a very extensive, so have they had also a very salutary circulation. The few faults which we have deemed it necessary to point out, are exceedingly venial in themselves, and not of importance from their number; whilst her valuable qualities, her abilities, and her usefulness, entitle her to a very considerable place among those females, who in modern times have been distinguished by the attention of the public. Vobis ergo sacra ferenda, Musæ Sed quæ victima grata? quæ Camœnis Dicata hostia? parcite O Camœnæ Nova hæc victima, sed tamen suavis Futura arbitror, admodumque grata. CHAPTER LIX. The next female who makes her appearance in our “Recollections,” is delineated under the name of ELFRIDA. She was the daughter of a humble Suffolk farmer, and her education as limited as possible. Nevertheless, she so strongly felt within herself the consciousness of talents, and the desire of independence, that, though young and lively, and though in seeming contradiction to all the precepts of discretion, she rushed to the metropolis, without either recommendation or protection. Her very first adventure on her arrival, though in the highest degree romantic, and indeed almost incredible, proved her security, and procured her a guardian and a husband. Not knowing whither to go, she made some accidental enquiry of a passenger, who, as apparently much older than herself, she presumed would not deceive and mislead her. Thus the event happened. This same person finding her, on enquiry, artless, ignorant of the town, distressed and unhappy, compassionated her situation, found her a home, and soon afterwards married her. As her person was remarkably good, and she appeared to have a turn and talent that way, it was resolved that she should try her fortune on the stage, where she accordingly made her appearance. There was an invincible impediment to her success, in a certain defect of enunciation, which all her endeavours were unavailing to overcome. She accordingly left the stage, retaining the esteem of all the most considerable performers, and without the slightest imputation on the accuracy of her conduct. Ere long she was left a widow, and commenced author. At this period she was introduced to our Sexagenarian, and a familiar acquaintance subsisted for some years between them. Previous to this acquaintance, Elfrida had been so far unfortunate, that her principal and most intimate connections, were among those who opposed the measures of government, were warm friends of the French Revolution, and some of them tainted with the contagion of the most extravagant democracy.