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A self-made woman, or, Mary Idyl's trials and triumphs. Buckingham, Emma May.
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A SELF-MADE WOMAN; OR, MARY IDYL'S TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS.

BY

EMMA MAY BUCKINGHAM.

"To meditate, to plan, resolve, perform, Which in itself is good—as surely brings. Reward of good, no matter what be done."

NEW YORK. S. R. WELLS, PUBLISHER, 389 BROADWAY.

1873.
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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by EMMA MAY BUCKINGHAM, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D.C.

This Book
IS
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
TO
MY PUBLISHER.

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CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

THE story of Mary Idyl is true in the main. Its aim is to encourage those of my sex who are struggling up towards a higher moral and intellectual life, to urge them to persevere until the end is attained.

We often hear the remark:—"He is a self-made man;" but the term is rarely applied to a woman. My heroine, Mary Idyl, was really self-taught. Notwithstanding poverty, illness, disappointments, and discouragements, at home and abroad, she succeeded in educating not only her head but also her heart.

She endeavored to eradicate faults of character, to cultivate her tastes;—and, by carefully observing the rules of Hygiene, she succeeded in rendering her almost dwarfed deformed body, symmetrical, if not beautiful.

Her loveliness, which was from within, shone out in her actions, words, and also in her facial expression, reminding one of an imprisoned light within a translucent vase.

If this story shall assist one of my sex in the work of self-instruction.—of taste and heart culture,—I shall not regret the weariness and effort which it has cost me.

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I have also, another object in presenting this work to the public, namely, to benefit the large class of working-women who are bravely endeavoring to earn a livelihood for themselves and others.

There are hundreds among them whose personal appearance, and health and talents as well, are of a higher order than Mary Idyl's; yet, because they lack her energy and indomitable perseverance, they are still held down by the iron hand of penury, of oppression.

Like my heroine, they are capable of winning fame, wealth, love, and luxuriant ease, if they will only arouse themselves and follow her example.

It is true that all cannot become scholars and authors, but, in this really "Golden Age" for women, there are other avenues and openings which are equally respectable and lucrative.

I will now allow the impatient(?) reader to peruse my story, hoping that Mary Idyl's example and experience may stimulate many to struggle toward the goal which she reached after so much labor and suffering.

THE AUTHOR

HONESDALE, Pa., August 25, 1873.
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