c. early October 1796

Mary Wollstonecraft to Mary Hays [Little John Street], undated [c. early October 1796].1


 

       My Good Friend, not receiving a line with the book, I take it for granted that you are hurt by my seeming neglect. – But let me expostulate with you, a moment, of ^what^ a slight texture must be the friendship, which could change without a cause? – and I have no cause to change my opinion of you. I have not called on you, it is true, or sent the book; but I have still the same regard for you, and was merely prevented by rain, business and engagements. Mr Godwin has been ill, and as I am a tolerable nurse, and he in a little want of one, I have frequently been with him, as well to amuse as to see that ^the^ things proper for him were got. He is much better, but I believe had rather not see any company for a few days. Mrs Christie2 is also in town, only for two or three days and I have had business to do for her – Thus have you a full and true account of my moments. I will call on you soon, and you will find me at home any morning, but wednesday – at least I believe so –

                                    yours truly

                                               Mary

Monday Morning

 

I should be glad to have the Monk, as soon as you have finished it.3


 

Address: Miss Hays.


1 MS MW 0040, Pforzheimer Collection, NYPL; Brooks, Correspondence 308-09; Todd, Collected Letters 378; Wedd, Love Letters 240. 

 

2 Rebecca Christie, wife of Thomas Christie, one of the writers/editors of Johnson's Analytical Review and in whose home Wollstonecraft stayed after her failed attempt to drown herself in October 1795.

3 Godwin finished reading The Monk on 29 September, so this letter may well have been sent on Monday, 3 October1796 .