Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Margaret Fuller Ossoli

[198] some of the most important aspects of that new world. It also excited interest in some quarters through the episodes themselves, especially that of “Mariana,” which was taken to be autobiographical, as it partly was; although the character of Sylvain, Mariana's supposed lover, was almost wholly imaginary, as the following letter will show :--

As to my book, there are complimentary notices in the papers, and I receive good letters about it. It is much read already, and is termed ‘ very entertaining!’ Little & Brown take the risk, and allow a percentage. My bargain with them is only for one edition; if this succeeds, I shall make a better. They take their own measures about circulating the work, but any effort from my friends helps, of course. Short notices by you, distributed at Philadelphia, New York, and even Cincinnati, would attract attention and buyers!! Outward success in this way is very desirable to me, not so much on account of present profit to be derived, as because it would give me advantage in making future bargains, and open the way to ransom more time for writing. The account of the “Seeress” pleases many, and it is pleasing to see how elderly routine gentlemen, such as Dr. Francis and Mr. Farrar, are charmed with the little story of “ Mariana.” They admire, at poetic distance, that powerful nature that would alarm them so in real life . . . Imagine prose eyes, with glassy curiosity looking out for Mariana Nobody dreams of its being like me; they all thought Miranda was, in the “Great Lawsuit.” People seem to think that not more than one phase of character can be shown in one life.