Mathilda is a young woman in her early twenties lying in bed awaiting death. Here, she writes a letter to Woodville, her friend detailing the circumstances of her sad life. Mathilda is a depressed woman keeping a secret that she doesn’t want anyone to know while she is alive. Her parents got in love while they were young. However, after their marriage, her mother passed away soon after her birth. As a result, Mathilda was left under the care of her father. Mathilda’s father was left heartbroken and vanished. He left Mathilda under the supervision of her aunt.
At sixteen years of age, her father resurfaces. Initially, their relationship is cordial. Soon after, Mathilda’s aunt dies. Following the demise of her aunt, Mathilda, and her father move to London. However, her father starts making sexual advances towards her. Mathilda is confused and devastated by her father’s incestuous behavior. Whenever men try to court her, Mathilda’s father becomes angry. Eventually, Mathilda’s father commits suicide. Mathilda fears being judged by society. Therefore, she fakes her death and disappears.
Mathilda relocates to a small and quiet house in the heath where Woodville finds her. One day she suggests to Woodville to end their sad lives by committing suicide. However, Woodville discourages her from taking such an action. Afterward, Woodville leaves to take care of her ailing mother. Following his departure, Mathilda becomes very sick. In her deathbed, she decides to write out her story to Woodville, telling him about her miseries. Mathilda experiences depression due to the incestuous behavior of her father. The depression drives her to death.
