Page:Margaret Fuller by Howe, Julia Ward, Ed. (1883).djvu/97

82 indulged concerning her. Her wish was "to pass in review the departments of thought and knowledge, and endeavour to place them in due relation to one another in our minds; to systematize thought, and give a precision, and clearness in which our sex are so deficient, chiefly, I think, because they have so few inducements to test and classify what they receive." In fine, she hoped to be able to throw some light upon the momentous questions, "What were we born to do, and how shall we do it?"

In looking forward to this effort, she saw one possible obstacle in “ that sort of vanity which wears the garb of modesty," and which, she thinks, may make some women fear “to lay aside the shelter of vague generalities, the art of coterie criticism," and the “delicate disdains of good society,” even to obtain a nearer view of truth itself. “Yet,” she says, as without such generous courage nothing of value can be learned or done, I hope to see many capable of it."

The twofold impression which Margaret made is to be remarked in this matter of the conversations, as elsewhere. Without the fold of her admirers stood carping, unkind critics; within were enthusiastic and grateful friends.

The first meeting of Margaret's Conversation Class was held at Miss Peabody's rooms, in West Street, Boston, on the 6th of November 1839. Twenty-five ladies were present, who showed themselves to be of the elect by their own election of a noble aim. These were all ladies of superior position, gathered by a common interest from very various belongings of creed and persuasion. At this, their first coming together, Margaret prefaced her programme by some remarks on the deficiencies in the education given to women,