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"My first thought was simply to seek retire but a total seclusion froave me time for reflection, and reflection soon showed me the error of this notion

"Guilt, cried I, ret? will deep dejection of mind? no, they will follow more assiduously than ever; for what is there to oppose theination? where the past has left nothing but resent void? No stranger to life, I knew huer to books, I respected the voice of wisdohtened ofthe letter of Cowley, I saw the vanity and absurdity of panting after solitude [Footnote: Life of Cowley, p34] "I sought not, therefore, a cell; but, since I purposed to live for myself, I determined for myself also to think Servility of imitation has ever been as much my scorn as servility of dependence; I resolved, therefore, to strike out so new, and no er in the world as every other ered

"The result of all you now see I found out this cottage, and took up my abode in it I areat evil of retreat, having nothing to do I am constantly, not capriciously employed, and the exercise which benefits ht of adversity I am removed fro; I have no object for a I have no time:--I have, found out, I repeat, the true secret of happiness, Labour with Independence"

He stopt; and Cecilia, who had listened to this narrative with a mixture of compassion, adularity to be readily able to answer it Her curiosity to hear hi wholly from her desire to assist hiather soht be offered But none had occurred; he professed hih reason and probability contradicted the profession, she could not venture to dispute it with any delicacy or prudence

She thanked hiies for the trouble she had given him, and added, "I must not express ard as conducive to your contentment, nor remonstrate at the step you have taken, since you have been led to it by choice, not necessity: but yet, youI shall soar ideas of the rest of the world"