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144 trouble, and for nearly two years she was obliged to give them almost entire rest.

But for her patience and fortitude in following the doctor's injunctions, it seems possible she might have entirely lost her sight. As it was, a complete recovery took place ; and though at times her eyes were weak, she was able, to the end of her life, to read, write, and work with ease. At the end of the year 1819 she is able gleefully to tell her cousin that she must now make up for lost time and read.

"Now that I have eyes to read again, I find it delightful, and I have a voracious appetite and a relish for food ; good, bad, and indifferent, I am afraid, like a half-famished shipwrecked wretch.

She read all the new literature of the day, and eagerly inquired among all her friends what they commended. Byron's Don Juan had caused much talk, but this did not attract her.

It was not till early in 1820 that the memoirs of Mr. Edgeworth were completed. Having arranged that they should appear at Easter, Miss Edgeworth resolved to carry out a long-cherished plan, that of visiting Paris in company with her two young sisters, Fanny and Harriet. At one time it seemed as if political events were too unsettled to make this project advisable,