SUSAN CRAY,” 29

ous woman, and bears a good character, and
has undertaken to receive you into her house
for three years; during which time she will
improve you in her business, and you will then
be fit to wait upon a lady.”

I could not for some time answer, for my
tears and sobs almost choked me; but when I
could speak, I thanked my dear lady for her
kindness, and prayed that I might never forget
the good things she had taught me.

She then gave me three guineas to provide
me with clothes while I was with Mrs. Bennet;
from whom I was to receive no wages; and,
also, she left me her Bible and Prayer-Book,
and a black stuff gown and petticoat to wear
as mourning for her.

The same night this dear lady died; and I
remained in the house only till the funeral was
over: then taking leave, with many tears, of
Mrs. Sarah, who ‘set off the next day to return
to Cornwall, where she was born, and where all
her family had lived, I went to my new place.

It was a small yet very neat cottage in the
midst of a garden; there was behind it a hill
covered with tall trees, and before it were many
pleasant green meadows, which reached down
to the river, through which was a pathway
which led to Ludlow. The town itself would
have been plainly seen from hence, had it not
been for some trees which concealed all the
-houses, and only shewed the tower of the
church and part of the old castle.

As I walked from the town, I continued te
ery the whole way; but when I came near the

r 3