1 10 THE WORLD'S WORKERS. 



attempt to go beyond it, but to accept all the little 

 indulgences which we did not allow ourselves in 

 younger life, but which are now lawfully our due.' " 



In this case as in most others, the lesson taught 

 by experience was of highest value, and girls who want 

 to do good work in the world would be wise to re- 

 member it. Those workers do the best service who 

 work reasonably ; who remember that energy and 

 steadfastness are largely dependent upon health, and 

 that health is largely dependent upon obedience to 

 laws which can never be disregarded with impunity. 

 Enthusiasm which leads its possessor to forget 

 common sense is a weakness. 



After her mother's death Mary Carpenter was left 

 really without any home ties ; she was therefore 

 entirely at liberty to devote herself to her work. This 

 was all the easier because she had a little money, as 

 much as sufficed for her moderate wants. For a short 

 time she took up her abode with her married sister ; 

 but though her friends did their utmost to make her 

 happy, she was not content with this. She longed 

 above everything to have a small home of her own, 

 where she could have workers for the poor living with 

 her, employing girls who needed special care to do the 

 housework. The plan was an excellent one, but it 

 did not at first seem practicable. 



Towards the close of the year 1857, however, a 

 suitable house, overlooking Red Lodge, and separated 

 from it only by a narrow street, became vacant. Lady 



