208 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.

going on pilgrimage. And this was the more pleasing to them, because they had heard
she was Christian’s wife, that woman who was some time ago so unwilling to hear of
going on pilgrimage. Thus, therefore, they stood still, and heard the good people
within commending her, who, they little thought, stood at the door. At last Christiana
knocked, as she had done at the gate before. Now, when she had knocked, there came
to the door a young damsel, and opened the door and looked; and, behold, two women
were there.

Dam. Then said the damsel to them, “With whom would you speak in this
place?”

Cur. Christiana answered, “ We understand that this is a privileged place for those
that are become pilgrims, and we now at this

 

door are such; wherefore we pray that we
may be partakers of that for which we at this
time are come; for the day, as thou seest, is
very far spent, and we are loth to-night to go
any farther.”

Dam. Pray, what may I call your name,
that I may tell it to my lord within?

Cur. My name is Christiana: I was the
) wife of that pilgrim that some years ago did
travel this way; and these be his four chil-
dren. This maiden also is my companion, and
is going on pilgrimage too.

Ixnocent. Then Innocent ran in (for that
was her name), and said to those within, “Can
you think who is at the door? There are

Christiana and her children, and her com-

 

 

 

panion, all waiting for entertainment here.”

Innocent.

Then they leaped for joy, and went and
told their master. So he came to the door, and looking upon her, he said, “Art thou
that Christiana whom Christian the good man left behind him, when he betook him-
self to a pilgrim’s life?”

Cur. I am that woman that was so hard-hearted as to slight my husband’s troubles,
and then left him to go on his journey alone; and these are his four children. But
now also I am come, for I am convinced that no way is right but this. |

Iyrrr. Then is fulfilled that which also is written of the man that said to his son,