’I go on very moderately, for my strength is not great, and I am connected with one who is anxious that I should not overtask it.  Body and mind, I have long required rest and mere amusement, and now obey Nature as much as I can.  If she pleases to restore me to an energetic state, she will by-and-by; if not, I can only hope this world will not turn me out of doors too abruptly.  I value my present position very much, as enabling me to speak effectually some right words to a large circle; and, while I can do so, am content.’

Again she says,—­

’I am pleased with your sympathy about the Tribune, for I do not find much among my old friends.  They think I ought to produce something excellent, while I am satisfied to aid in the great work of popular education.  I never regarded literature merely as a collection of exquisite products, but rather as a means of mutual interpretation.  Feeling that many are reached and in some degree helped, the thoughts of every day seem worth noting, though in a form that does not inspire me.’

The most valuable of her contributions, according to her own judgment, were the Criticisms on Contemporary Authors in Europe and America.  A few of these were revised in the spring of 1846, and, in connection with some of her best articles selected from the Dial, Western Messenger, American Monthly, &c., appeared in two volumes of Wiley and Putnam’s Library of American Books, under the title of PAPERS ON ART AND LITERATURE.

SOCIETY.

Heralded by her reputation, as a scholar, writer, and talker, and brought continually before the public by her articles in the Tribune, Margaret found a circle of acquaintance opening before her, as wide, various, and rich, as time and inclination permitted her to know.  Persons sought her in her country retreat, attracted alike by idle curiosity, desire for aid, and respectful sympathy.  She visited freely in several interesting families in New York and Brooklyn:  occasionally accepted invitations to evening parties, and often met, at the somewhat celebrated soirees of Miss Lynch, the assembled authors, artists, critics, wits, and dilettanti of New York.  As was inevitable, also, for one of such powerful magnetic influence, liberal soul and broad judgment, she once again became, as elsewhere she had been, a confidant and counsellor of the tempted and troubled; and her geniality, lively conversation, and ever fresh love, gave her a home in many hearts.  But the subdued tone of her spirits at this period led her to prefer seclusion.

Of her own social habits she writes:—­