RECOLLECTIONS,

&c. &c.

THE beloved subject of this little Memoir, whose maiden-name was JANE ARDEN, was born at Beverley, in Yorkshire, on the 26th of August, 1758. Of her early days little need be said. Let it suffice, that these, like her subsequent life, were marked by a peculiar sweetness and cheerfulness of disposition; generous, and regardless of self, she took a lively interest in the welfare and happiness of all around her, and was a general favourite amongst her friends and acquaintance. Her desire for useful knowledge of every kind was, from childhood, so intense, that it may truly be said, she lifted up her voice for understanding, and

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searched for it as for hidden treasures," though her only opportunities of receiving instruction were from her father, of whose leisure moments she always endeavoured to avail herself.-My grandfather having embraced the Protestant religion, contrary to the wishes of his parents, who were of an ancient German family of the Roman Catholic persuasion, they in consequence disinherited him. Instead, therefore, of enjoying a fortune which would have rendered his family independent, he found it necessary to exert himself for their support; and commenced the profession of a public lecturer on Natural and Experimental Philosophy, and the Belles Lettres a course of life which his highly cultivated mind enabled him to pursue with emi

nent success.

Although, from the lengthened periods which often intervened between the lessons she received, my mother had to struggle with many difficulties in the pursuit of that knowledge she so ardently desired, yet she was enabled to make such a rapid progress in her studies, as qualified her for the arduous and useful post she was afterwards to fill.

In 1775, when between sixteen and seventeen years of age, she was engaged by Lady Martin of Burnham in Norfolk, as governess to her six daughters. How diligently and faithfully she discharged her interesting duties, might be proved from the many kind letters, addressed to her, in after years, by these highly valued friends, whose warm attachment to her never abated. In 1780, she entered the family of Lord Ilchester, at Redlynch in Somersetshire, in a similar capacity. From this nobleman's family it was likewise her happiness to receive every possible testimony of regard. Her only subject of regret was her distance from all her beloved relatives; who at length, after the expiration of three years, prevailed upon her to quit Redlynch, and open a boarding school in Beverley, where, in 1784, she found herself surrounded by those most dear to her-having persuaded her father, mother, and younger sister, who was an invalid, to reside with her for life. In the second summer vacation after commencing this arduous undertaking, she visited the family of Sir Mordaunt Martin; from whence she wrote the following letter

to her sister, whose health had disqualified her

for active duties.

MY DEAR ANNE,

*

*

BURNHAM, July 2. 1785.

After being tossed about on the ocean nearly twenty-four hours, and experiencing all the direful effects of a sea voyage, you will imagine how thankful I was to find myself again in the dear abode of Sir Mordaunt and Lady Martin, who received me more as a daughter than an humble "gouvernante;" my cidevant pupils also welcomed me with such expressions of affection and delight, that my feelings were quite overpowered. I am in the very height of enjoyment in this charming family, their society is so refined, so intellectual! I own that the life of a governess would not have been my choice; but I am content. Oh that I may be enabled to train every child committed to my care, in the paths of virtue and goodness! When I think that happiness, in both worlds, depends in a great degree on education, I most deeply feel the importance of the duties which I have to fulfil! Indeed, my sister, I know not how I ever ventured to undertake such a charge! To teach goodness, it is necessary to be myself the example.—I have made many good resolutions, and I hope to keep them. I am convinced I have hitherto

thought too lightly of religion, which is decidedly the only sound basis for education. I intend therefore to be more strict in the observance of every sacred duty; to have family prayer both morning and evening; also a sermon read on Sunday. I shall request the servants, and every person in the house, to attend.-Now do not laugh; I assure you I am quite in earnest.

We were yesterday at Houghton, the seat of the Earl of Orford. The pictures are beautiful: in the saloon is one by Rubens, upon which I could look for ever; it is Mary, washing Christ's feet with her tears. There are fourteen figures as large as life. The pleasing mildness and divine countenance of our Saviour would alone shew it was some heavenly Being. Mary's figure cannot, I think, be equalled. The exquisite beauty of her face and form is wonderful. The tear trickling from her eye you would fancy was natural. A list of the principal paintings, which Captain Nelson* once wrote out for me, as being most worthy of my attention, I found of great advantage.

I have received a letter this morning from James, who is still in Oxford. He tells me he has been searching into Dugdale's History of Warwickshire,

* Afterwards the gallant Admiral Lord Nelson.