SUSAN GRAY. . 11)

by briars and brambies; and, what was worse,
after much pain and ditliculty, I found, when I
had made my way through the trees, that I
was still very near to the cottage.

Having passed through the wood, I came out
upon a large high fallow field, in the middle of
which I remembered that there was a barn,
where J thought that I might take shelter; for
the rain beat so upon me, that I found it diffi-
cult to go on. It was now become quite dark
too, the lightning only now and then giving me
& momentary view of my path.

As I came nearer the barn, I heard voices,
and soon saw a light through the crevices of
the door. I went silently up to the door, and,
looking in, I saw a party of gipsies, who, I had
heard, infested those parts, gathered together
round a few embers.

I knew that these were no companions for
me; J, therefore, with a sad heart, turned from
the barn, and, at length, with difficulty, found
my way into a long green lane, out of which I
knew, very well, that there was a turning which
led to Ludlow. I thought that if I could reach
the town, without being discovered, 1 might
find some secure lodging for the night; and I
felt no doubt but that God Almighty would
provide for my future safety. For these words
of St. Peter came into my mind, If ye suffer
for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be
not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.
(1 Pet. iii. 14.)

But the lane being shaded by tall trees, and
the night becoming darker and darker, the rain