Mary Clarke, as she now was, threw herself with zest into all the religious enthusiasms of the locality, and the Rev.Francis Cunningham, Vicar of St.Margaret's, Lowestoft, was one of her friends.

Borrow had met Mary Clarke on one of his visits to Lowestoft, and she had doubtless been impressed with his fine presence, to say nothing of the intelligence and varied learning of the young man.

The following note, the first communication I can find from Borrow to his future wife, indicates how matters stood at the time: To Mrs.Clarke ST.

GILES, NORWICH, 22 _October 1832._ DEAR MADAM,--According to promise I transmit you a piece of Oriental writing, namely the tale of Blue Beard, translated into Turkish by myself.

I wish it were in my power to send you something more worthy of your acceptance, but I hope you will not disdain the gift, insignificant though it be.