Produced by Charles Franks and the Distributed Proofreaders Team
1859.
The domestic story of "Home Influence," and its Sequel, the presentvolume, were written in the early part of the year 1836, and the entirework was completed when its author was little above the age of nineteen;and, although no portion of it was published till some years after itscomposition, but little alteration was made in the original plan.
The labours of my dear child were unceasing, and from the hour when shecould read, it may truly be stated that she learned to write; hercontributions to the current literature of the day, her valuable worksupon religious subjects, and others of a lighter character, most ofwhich have been reprinted in other lands, all testify to a mind of nocommon stamp; and here, in reply to numerous questions relative to herliterary remains, I may state that Grace Aguilar has left many excellentworks in manuscript, both in prose and verse; some of which may, at afuture day, be presented to the public.
I have been induced to publish "The Mother's Recompense," in compliancewith the repeated solicitations of many friends, but in doing so I feelit incumbent on me to state that, unlike its predecessor, it has notreceived the advantage of that correction, which later years and ripenedjudgment would doubtless have cast around it. A long and fatal illnessprevented its revision for the press; the circumstances of which will befound detailed in a short memoir, accompanying the last edition of "HomeInfluence." The universal voice of praise, which attended thepublication of that work, it was not permitted her to enjoy,—anall-wise Creator called her to himself.
It was ever my dear child's wish to aid, by the example of her pen, theeducation of the Heart. It was her desire, in the truthfulexemplification of character, to point out to the youthful of her ownsex the paths of rectitude and virtue. The same kindly love—the sameheartfelt charity—the same spirit of devotion, which breathes throughevery line in "Home Influence," will be found pervading the pages of thepresent work.
If, then, the Home Education of the Hamilton Family be well traced andfaithfully delineated in "Home Influence, a Tale for Mothers andDaughters," its effect will be found illustrated in the "Mother'sRecompense;" there, as its dear author writes, will still further beportrayed the cares, anxieties, and ultimate reward of maternal love.
December, 1850.
From Emmeline Hamilton to Mary Greville.
London, January, 18—
At length, dearest Mary, I may write to you; at length indulge mylong-controlled wishes. My conscience has given me permission now,though I once thought I never could again. We parted in August, and itis now January; and except during our little tour, you have not had oneline from me, but very many more than one from Caroline and Ellen. Iused to wrong them, but I am glad I adhered to mamma's advice and myresolution, pain