12 THE HISFORY OF

into my eyes; and she not understanding
wherefore I turned from her, and why I did
not answer, said, ‘Sir, I fear by the freedom
of my speech, I have offended you. You,
perhaps, do not remember Susan Gray. My
father and mother lived many years ago in the
little cottage on the river-side, just below the
church.”

By this time I had recovered myself, and
turning to her I took her hand, and said, ‘« Poor
young creature, do you think it possible that I
should be offended at your innocent joy on see-
ing me? No, my daughter, I have not forgot-
ten you: I have not ceased to remember with
affection your worthy parents. But where
have you lived since the death of your aunt?
what has reduced you to this state? have you
not met with any friends in this world to pro-
tect you, and to supply to you the place of
your lost parents?”

She replied with a degree of piety which
caused my eyes to fill with tears of joy, “1
have not indeed, Sir, met with many friends;
but that God who is the Father of the father-
less has not forsaken me. I have had many
trials and temptations,” she added, “‘ and those
who ought to have been my protectors laid
snares forme. But! trusted that Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for our sins, would deliver me
jrom this present evil world, according to the
will of my God and my Father. (Gal. i. 3, 4.)
And praised be God,” said she, clasping her
hands together, “he has delivered me; I am
now. above the power of wicked pleasures.