The Wanderer Volume 3 (Paperback)

Excerpt: ...her, said, 'Nay, 'twas your own choice, you know, to live in a garret, and hem pocket-handkerchiefs.' 'Choice, Madam Alas deprived of all but personal resource, I fixed upon a mode of life that promised me, at least, my mental freedom. I was not then aware how imaginary is the independence, that hangs for support upon the uncertain fruits of daily exertions Independent, indeed, such situations may be deemed from the oppressions of power, or the tyrannies of caprice and ill humour; but the difficulty of obtaining employment, the irregularity of pay, the dread of want,