60 THE HISTORY OF

silk gown which she had been talking of some
days past, and for the purchase of which she
had, no doubt, received money from the Cap-
tain. I was so injudicious, because this was
not a time for it, when she was in the height of
her anger, to charge her with what she had
done; and, though I hope I did not do it ina
rude way, yet she grew so angry upon it, that
my mistress thought it time to interfere, and.
bid me go up to bed.

I obeyed, and, when I got into my own
room, burst into a viclent fit of tears. I was
not pleased with myself: I felt that the past
day had not been well spent; that my mind
was not in a good state; and that I had spoken
to Charlotte with impropriety, and not in a way
which was likely to lead her back to God. I
had not, as in days past, those pleasant and
peaceful feelings of confidence in God which
bad made my little room a most sweet and de-
lightful abode to me. I felt forsaken and
alone: and yet I had no inclination to pray ;
no desire to call upon that beloved Saviour
who had hitherto been my comforter.

I sat at the foot of my bed, and, for some
time, continued to shed tears, not of humility,
but rather of passion and discontent. Char-
lotte and my mistress were talking below; for
Charlotte was to stay with Mrs. Bennet all
night; but their voices were so low, that I
could hardly hear them. It was almost dusk,
and I know not how long I might have remain-
ed in that rebellious state, when He, of whom it
is said, Before they call I will answer, (Isaiah