[404] read the whole poem [forty-four lines] without the slightest inclination to cough. This really was the granting of my prayer, and my first thought about it was, ‘What shall I render to the Lord for all His goodness to me?’ I thought, ‘I will interest myself more efficiently in the great questions which concern Life and Society at large.’ If I have ‘the word for the moment,’ as some think, I will take more pains to speak it.A little later came a centenary which — alas!--she did not enjoy. It was that of Margaret Fuller, and was held in Cambridge. She was asked to attend it, and was assured that she “would not be expected to speak.” This kindly wish to spare fatigue to a woman of ninety-one was the last thing she desired. She could hardly believe that she would be left out — she, who had known Margaret, had talked and corresponded with her. “They have not asked me to speakI” she said more than once as the time drew near. She was reassured; of course they would ask her when they saw her! “I have a poem on Margaret!” “Take it with you! Of course you will be asked to say something, and then you will be all ready with your poem in your pocket.” Thus Maud, in all confidence. Indeed, if one of her own had gone with her, the matter would have been easily arranged; unfortunately, the companion was a friend who could make no motion in the matter. She returned tired and depressed. “They did not ask me ”
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