Page:Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (Pennell, 1885).djvu/87

Rh Salzmann's Elements of Morality, and her exercise proved so masterly that she, with a few corrections and additions, published it. This gave rise to a correspondence between the author and herself; and after several years the former returned the compliment by translating the Rights of Women into German. Some idea will be given of her industry when it is stated that during the five years of her London life, she, in addition to the work already mentioned, re-wrote a translation from the Dutch of Young Grandison; translated from the German Young Robinson, and from the French Necker on Religious Opinions, and Lavater's Physiognomy; wrote a volume of Original Stories from Real Life for Children, and compiled a Female Reader. As these works were undertaken for money rather than for fame, she did not through them exert any personal influence on contemporary thought, or leave any impression on posterity.

She never degenerated, however, into a mere hack writer, nor did she accept the literary tasks which came in her way, unless she felt able to accomplish them. She was too conscientious to fall into a fault unfortunately common among men and women in a similar position. She did not shrink from any work if she knew she was capable of doing it justice. When it was beyond her powers, she frankly admitted this to be the case.

When she settled in London, she was in no humour for social pleasures. Her sole ambition was to be useful, and she worked incessantly. She at first hid herself from almost everybody. When she expected her sisters to stay with her, she begged them beforehand, "If you pay any visits you will comply with my