SUSAN GRAY. 8?

deliver me, E pray thee, from the evils which
encompass me.”

My mistress did not call me down until
all the company were gone, except Charlotte
Owen, who complained of a head-ache, and
begged to stay all night at the cottage.

*¢ Susan,” said Mrs. Bennet, as soon as [ came
down, ‘‘ any other mistress but myself would
turn a servant out of doors, who had behaved
as you have done; but, in consideration of your
having always been an honest girl, I forgive you
this once. I cannot say that I should pardon —
you so easily, if you were to shew any of these
saucy airs again. Surely, my friends are fit
company for my servant!”

«*T should think so, in truth,” said Charlotte,
who was sitting in an arm-chair, leaning her
head upon her hand.

I thanked my mistress for forgiving me; and
then turning to Charlotte, to prove that I was
not in an ill humour, but that I had only left
the company for the sake of my God and my
religion, “‘ My dear Charlotte,” I said, « [ am
sorry to see you so poorly.”

She made no answer; and my mistress, pre-
sently afterwards, said, with a laugh, ‘“ Well,
Susan, and what did the Captain say to you?”

“I do not like the Captain,” I answered;
“and, with your leave, I never will go to his
lodgings again.”

“ Bless me! and what now?” cried my mis-
tress. And Charlotte, at the same time, raising
her head, fixed her eyes upon me.

I then told them what had passed between