SUSAN GRAY. 49

temptations, and endeavour to serve your God,
vou shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom
of the Father, and enjoy pleasures for evermore
in the presence of God.”

““O! now I understand you,” cried Char-
lotte: “you had quite puzzled me with your
shining gown. It reminds me of the fine silver
lace upon the Captain’s waistcoat; you have no
notion how handsome he looked in it.”

I believe that I surprised her a little; for the
moment she mentioned the Captain, I got up
and carried my chair into the house, where |
sat down, at some distance from her.

** What is the matter, Susan?” said she;
** why do you run away?”

** Because I do not choose to hear any thing
said about that gentleman. What ‘business
have we poor girls to be talking and joking
about a Captain? I heard too much of these
jests, Charlotte, last night; and, whatever you
may think of me, I am resolved that I will hear
none of them to-day.”

She got up, and, coming to the door of the
house, stood leaning with her back against the
post, laughing at me for some minutes. But I
made no answer, remembering that it is said,
the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be
gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in
meekness instructing those that oppose them-
selves. (2 Tim. ii. 24, 25.)

. While she continued to laugh at me, two

young men, belonging to the town, came run-

ning through the wood down the side of the

garden. As they passed by the house they saw
E