SUSAN GRAY. 67

prayed him to enable me to resist the evil
suggestions of my corrupt heart, and, above all
things, never to leave me nor forsake me; for I
felt that, though utterly helpless in myself, in
him I was strong.

“Ah! what does it signify,” I said, as I look-
ed up to the skies, all bright and sparkling with
thousands and thousands of stars, “‘ whether I
am happy or miserable, for the few short years
which 1 am to spend in this world? Iam now
voung, it is true; but when I am thrice my
present age, I shall be an old woman, and must
soon expect to lay me down in the grave.

“OQ, my dear father and mother! and my
beloved Mrs. Neale! you are now happy in
heaven, in the presence of your God and Sa-
viour; you are no longer poor weak human
creatures, but immortal and glorious spirits; all
tears are wiped from your eyes; you have rest-
ed from labour and sorrow for ever.”

While these thoughts were passing in my
mind, I sat me down before the cottage-door,
and sung a hymn, which had been taught me
by Mrs. Neale.

I had scarcely done singing, when I saw a
gentleman open the garden-gate, and come to-
wards me.

It was nearly dusk, but when he came near
to me, I knew him to be the Captain. With-
out waiting to think what I ought to do, I
started up from my seat, and, running into the
house, was going to pull the door after me, and
to fasten it; but the gentleman was too quick
for me: before I could draw the bolt, he push-