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278 fabrics thus produced were sometimes retained, but generally disposed of at very low prices to those who made them, being of such a substantial nature as to be useful in their households. Thus she encouraged their industry, and also gained such an acquaintance with the structure of their families, as enabled her to send acceptable gifts to the sick and aged, or useful books to the young. To prevent a too frequent invasion of time, she appointed one day in each month for the transaction of this business, when groups of earnest, hard-working women might be seen, wending their way on side-saddle and pillion, bringing the fruits of their diligence, and flattered to be received at the great house as coadjutors and friends. Thus, this estimable lady, who, like her father, was the personification of benevolence, illustrated, in her own ingenious way, the principle that the best mode of helping the working-classes is to sustain their self-respect by prompting them to help themselves.

My plan of operations was of course on a more limited scale, but kept its original steadily in view. It was ripened into action by information from my husband that an establishment for the sale of dry goods in which he was concerned, had been unfortunately managed, and that the articles belonging to him which remained unsold would be brought to the house, and I might have liberty to dispose of them in payment for the work of spinning-women, if such personages could