cepted his offer, and it was fortunate I did so, for I had scarcely reached the threshold of the door, before I fainted away.

"The timely aid I received on this occasion, afforded me both sure and speedy relief, and when, in a few minutes, I recovered my senses, I found two or three persons standing near me, each endeavouring to administer to my wants.

"I gazed earnestly on the countenance of one of them, who approached me with a cordial, which she kindly offered me; I could not mistake the face, I looked again before I spoke, but the fulness of my heart sufficiently declared that it was Lucy King. I can scarcely tell you, Sir, which of us was most affected by the recognition-Lucy listened, with affectionate interest, to the sad account of what had passed since we had last met, and strove, by the most friendly reasoning, to soothe the anguish I could not but betray in my narrative; but it is time I should make you acquainted with the situation in life of my excellent friend. Her respectable and industrious habits had been the means of her engaging the affections of an estimable young man, a tailor by trade, who has made dear Lucy as happy as she deserves; and, by their joint endeavours, they have prospered so well in business, that they are now enabled to let lodgings in Street."

What is the name of your friend's husband?" demanded Mr. Hughes anxiously.

"Dallas, Sir, is his name, you may probably have guessed, ere now, that it was Mr. Dallas who urged me so humanely in the first instance to enter his house."

"Dallas is the name of the worthy people with whom I lodge," returned Mr. Hughes with feelings of emotion" thank God, I have not been deceived in the high opinion I entertained of their merits."

"Oh Sir!" exclaimed Harriet, as the colour mounted into her pale cheeks, with the pleasure this testimony afforded her, " do you know them, indeed? Then I must trespass still further on your time, to tell you of the kindness which they have so invariably shewn me. During the time I was incapacitated for labour, Mr. Dallas visited me frequently, and I can assure you, Sir, his purse supplied me with many comforts which, but for him, I should not have enjoyed; and, as soon as my hand was well, I found Lucy had been considering whether she could not improve my condition, by teaching me some more profitable way of getting my living; she was of opinion that as my health was but delicate it would be as well if I were to desist (for a time at least) from the laborious task of washing, and in its stead adopt some less toil

}

some kind of work. I was tolerably handy at my needle, and Lucy represented that if I could but learn the way of making waistcoats, she could ensure my having a constant source of beneficial occupation. This occupation was quite new to me, but I determined to give my mind to it, and I do believe, Sir, there are few difficulties we cannot surmount by dint of application. In this instance, practice certainly rendered me expert at the business, which though part of a tailor's trade, is an occupation by no means unsuited to a woman; and I am sure I have every reason to thank those kind friends who furnished me with such an advantageous employment. I trust in God, the time will come when my uncle will be reconciled to me: for the loss of his affection, which I feel conscious I have justly forfeited, weighs heavily on my mind. Lucy has promised to do her utmost to soften him in my behalf, and, I humbly hope, that her friendly efforts will ultimately meet with the reward they deserve."

Thus ended the narrative of the young woman, whose tears flowed freely as she reverted to the circumstances which left such painful impressions on her mind. Mr. Hughes was a man of much feeling, but his feelings were tempered with that calm good sense which enables its possessor to act judiciously in the course of conduct he pursues to

wards the objects of his benevolence. In the present instance that gentleman resolved to study the best method by which the restoration of Harriet's peace of mind could be effected: and, with this praise-worthy determination, he thanked her for the hospitality she had afforded him, and presently left the house.

G

1

On arriving at his lodgings in

Street,

he instantly despatched his servant with a civil message to Mrs. Dallas, signifying that he should be glad of a few minutes' conversation with her, as soon as she could make it convenient to wait upon him. Mrs. Dallas readily complied with this request; and having insisted she should be seated, Mr. Hughes proceeded to relate the occurrence which had that morning rendered him acquainted with the affecting history of Harriet Reece. As soon as he had concluded this narration, the worthy woman testified her most sincere joy that Harriet had met with such a kind-hearted friend.

"Oh, Sir," said she, "you scarcely know all my poor friend has suffered, her vanity was the cause of her being led astray, but adversity has humbled her heart, and rendered it that of a true penitent. I have always understood, from those who watched her conduct most narrowly, that as a wife her character was unimpeachable, and I can assure you, Sir, she had no easy charge to fulfil; for Frank

the poor young woman's tranquillity," observed the worthy gentleman, "I should conceive myself richly rewarded for any exertions I made with that view. Have the kindness to direct me this very evening to the house where Mr. Dilkes resides." "May Heaven assist your benevolent efforts, Sir," replied Mrs. Dallas, fervently, as she left the room, to impart to her husband the result of her interview.

No time was lost, for as soon as evening service was concluded, Mr. Hughes, guided by the servant of Mr. and Mrs. Dallas, proceeded to the house where Harriet's uncle lived. The exterior of Mr. Dilkes was prepossessing. He was a venerable looking man, about seventy years of age, who, totally unconscious of his visitor's errand, bade him enter with great affability, as soon as the latter expressed a wish to speak with him in private. Mr. Hughes proceeded without ostentation to explain the circumstances which formed the object of his visit; he gave a most candid statement of all that passed between the young woman and himself; he detailed the various signs of contrition he had observed in her conduct; and concluded by expressing his hope, that Mr. Dilkes would on these grounds consent to overlook the past, and restore this stray sheep unto his fold. The old man was silent for a few seconds, he seemed moved by the unaffected statement Mr. Hughes gave relative to