Page:Maria Edgeworth (Zimmern 1883).djvu/174

162 trary to the precedent of Mrs. Pritchard and all the traditions, before she began to wash her hands and Bay, "Out vile spot!" Sheridan knocked violently at her door during the five minutes she had desired to have entirely to herself in compose her spirits before the play began. He burst in, and prophesied that she would ruin herself for ever if she persevered in this resolution to lay down the candle-stick! She persisted, however, in her determination, succeeded, was applauded, and Sheridan begged her pardon. She described well the awe she felt, and the power of the excitement given to her by the sight of Burke, Fox, Sheridan, and Sir Joshua Reynolds in the pit.

Morning, dinner, evening parties, succeeded one another. Miss Edgeworth had not even time to note them. In June (1822), the sisters at last returned home, Miss Edgeworth by no means loth to resume the thread of her domestic affairs. She set to work upon the Sequel to Harry and Lucy, which was one among the duty-tasks she deemed it right to do, because her father had wished it to be completed. "I could never be easy writing anything for my own amusement till I have done this, which I know my father wished to have finished."

Portions of Ireland were suffering from famine that summer. The deplorable state of the south in especial aroused all Miss Edgeworthy's sympathies. But she feared that as one source of grievance was removed another would spring up.

She proceeded to show, however, that they were all at