Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/180

172 of 1836, and "Society in America” was published in 1837. About this time her health became so broken down as for a time to interrupt her continuous literary activity, but only for a time. In the intervals of physical pain and nervous prostration, she made use of every available hour in writing. “From 1839 to 1844, she was a confirmed invalid”—I quote from "Half-hours with Freethinkers"—"and perhaps the best proof of the indefatigable nature of her character that has been afforded is the fact that even when prostrated on a bed of severe sickness she could not be idle. She published at this time her series of essays entitled ‘Life in the Sick-room.’ She was restored to partial health by mesmeric agencies.”

“Life in the Sick-room” was not the only work she published during this protracted illness. “Deerbrook” and the "Playfellow” were published in 1839; "The Hour and the Man"—a story written as a tribute to and recognition of the bravery and services of the noble slave, Toussaint L’Ouverture—