o now we see Mary and Shelley with one thousand pounds a year, less two hundred pounds which, as Shelley ordered, was to be paid to Harriet in quarterly instalments.
Now that the money troubles were over, which for a time absorbed their whole attention, Mary began to perceive signs of failing health in Shelley, and one doctor asserted that he had abscesses ou the lungs, and was rapidly dying of consumption. Whatever these symptoms were really attributable to they rapidly disappeared, although Shelley was a frequent sufferer in various ways through his life.
In February, we see also the effect of the mental strain and fatigue on Mary, as she gave birth, about the 22nd of that month, to a seven-months' child, a little girl, who only lived a few days, but long enough to win her mother's and father's love, and leave the first blank in their lives. The diary of this time, kept up first by Claire, and then by Mary, gives some details of the baby's short life. On February 22—
Mary is well and at ease, the child not expected to live, Shelley sits up with Mary. Much agitated and exhausted. Hogg sleeps here.
23.—Mary well; child unexpectedly alive. Fanny comes and stays the night. . . . 24. Mary still well ; favourable symptoms of the child. Dr. Clarke confirms our hope. . . . Hogg comes in evening. Shelley unwell and exhausted. 25. Child and Mary very well. Shelley is very unwell. 26. Mary rises to-day. Hogg calls; talk. Mary retires at 6 o'clock. . . . Shelley has a spasm. On 27 Shelley and Clara go about a cradle. 28. Mary goes down-stairs; nurses the baby, and reads Corinne and works. Shelley goes to consult Dr. Pemberton. On March 1st nurse baby, read Corinne, and work. Peacock and Hogg call; stay till half-past eleven.
On March 2 they move to fresh lodgings. It is
