"But what, then," said he, "do you expect me to do for you?"

"Nothing," I replied. My strength sufficed for but short answers.

Diana took the word "Do you mean," she asked, "that we have now given you what aid you

require? and that we may dismiss you to the moor and the rainy

night?"

I looked at her. She had, I thought, a remarkable countenance,

instinct both with power and goodness. I took sudden courage.

Answering her compassionate gate with a smile, I said--"I will trust

you. If I were a masterless and stray dog, I know that you would

not turn me from your hearth to-night: as it is, I really have no

fear. Do with me and for me as you like; but excuse me from much

discourse--my breath is short--I feel a spasm when I speak." All

three surveyed me, and all three were silent.

"Hannah," said Mr. St. John, at last, "let her sit there at present,

and ask her no questions; in ten minutes more, give her the

remainder of that milk and bread. Mary and Diana, let us go into

the parlour and talk the matter over."

They withdrew. Very soon one of the ladies returned--I could not

tell which. A kind of pleasant stupor was stealing over me as I sat

by the genial fire. In an undertone she gave some directions to

Hannah. Ere long, with the servant's aid, I contrived to mount a

staircase; my dripping clothes were removed; soon a warm, dry bed

received me. I thanked God--experienced amidst unutterable

exhaustion a glow of grateful joy--and slept.




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