Page:Maria Edgeworth (Zimmern 1883).djvu/169

Rh Nothing is more touching, more lovable, than the modesty of this woman, so lauded, honoured and praised by all her generation that she could not remain ignorant of her fame. But simplicity was the very foundation of her character, and the woman always went before the author.

On her return from France Miss Edgeworth resumed the quiet, dearly-loved routine of home life. She was always glad to get home again, even now, and to be with the step-mother, sisters and brothers she loved so tenderly. Here is a pretty picture of the daily course of their existence:—

Soon after his return from enforced exile Lovell Edgeworth had established a school at Edgeworthstown, after a plan proposed by his father, in which boys of all classes and creeds should be educated together. It succeeded admirably and was a source of interest and occupation not only to its founder, but to Miss Edgeworth, who always threw herself with ardour into everything that interested those about her.

The lives of women are rarely eventful, and Miss