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as they are some of them of a domestic and painful nature, I will not trouble the Public now; but while they exist in all their force, that indulgent public must accept all I am able to achieve—"Toujours des chansons tristes!"

Thus ended the short dialogue between my friend and me, and I repeat it as an apology for that apparent despondence, which, when it is observed for a long series of years, may look like affectation. I shall be sorry, if on some future occasion, I should feel myself compelled to detail its causes more at length; for, notwithstanding I am thus frequently appearing as an Authoress, and have derived from thence many of the greatest advantages of my life, (since it has procured me friends whose attachment is most invaluable,) I am well aware that for a woman—"The Post of Honor is a Private Station."

London, May 14th, 1792.