’My mind often swells with thoughts on these subjects, which I long to pour out on some person of superior calmness and strength, and fortunate in more accurate knowledge.  I should feel such a quieting reaction.  But, generally, it seems best that I should go through these conflicts alone.  The process will be slower, more irksome, more distressing, but the results will be my own, and I shall feel greater confidence in them.’

MISS MARTINEAU.

In the summer of 1835, Margaret found a fresh stimulus to self-culture in the society of Miss Martineau, whom she met while on a visit at Cambridge, in the house of her friend, Mrs. Farrar.  How animating this intercourse then was to her, appears from her journals.

Miss Martineau received me so kindly as to banish all embarrassment at once.  We had some talk about “Carlyleism,” and I was not quite satisfied with the ground she took, but there was no opportunity for full discussion.  I wished to give myself wholly up to receive an impression of her.  What shrewdness in detecting various shades of character!  Yet, what she said of Hannah More and Miss Edgeworth, grated upon my feelings.’

Again, later:—­

’I cannot conceive how we chanced upon the subject of our conversation, but never shall I forget what she said.  It has bound me to her.  In that hour, most unexpectedly to me, we passed the barrier that separates acquaintance from friendship, and I saw how greatly her heart is to be valued.’

And again:—­

’We sat together close to the pulpit.  I was deeply moved by Mr.—­’s manner of praying for “our friends,” and I put up this prayer for my companion, which I recorded, as it rose in my heart:  “Author of good, Source of all beauty and holiness, thanks to Thee for the purifying, elevating communion that I have enjoyed with this beloved and revered being.  Grant, that the thoughts she has awakened, and the bright image of her existence, may live in my memory, inciting my earth-bound spirit to higher words and deeds.  May her path be guarded and blessed.  May her noble mind be kept firmly poised in its native truth, unsullied by prejudice or error, and strong to resist whatever outwardly or inwardly shall war against its high vocation.  May each day bring to this generous seeker new riches of true philosophy and of Divine Love.  And, amidst all trials, give her to know and feel that Thou, the All-sufficing, art with her, leading her on through eternity to likeness of Thyself.”

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