At that time, then, I reaped the full harvest of my exertions: the disappointment and vexation were of later date.
I now come to the great era of my life,--Love.

Among my acquaintance was Lady Mary Walden, a widow of high birth, and noble though not powerful connections.

She lived about twenty miles from London in a beautiful retreat; and, though not rich, her jointure, rendered ample by economy, enabled her to indulge her love of society.

Her house was always as full as its size would permit, and I was among the most welcome of its visitors.

She had an only daughter: even now, through the dim mists of years, that beautiful and fairy form rises still and shining before me, undimmed by sorrow, unfaded by time.