But then we did lot set ourselves up to
be literary; though we enjoyed the freedom of writing what we
pleased, and seeing how it looked in print. It was good practice
for us, and that was all that we desired. We were complimented
and quoted. When a Philadelphia paper copied one of my little
poems, suggesting some verbal improvements, and predicting
recognition for me in the future, I felt for the first time that
there might be such a thing as public opinion worth caring for,
in addition to doing one's best for its own sake.
Fame, indeed, never had much attraction for me, except as it took
the form of friendly recognition and the sympathetic approval of
worthy judges. I wished to do good and true things, but not such
as would subject me to the stare of coldly curious eyes. I could
never imagine a girl feeling any pleasure in placing herself
"before the public." The privilege of seclusion must be the last
one a woman can willingly sacrifice.
And, indeed, what we wrote was not remarkable,--perhaps no more
so than the usual school compositions of intelligent girls.
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