therefore, I beseech you, upon those times which are now past; but
be comforted, and make yourself as happy as in my humble plain manner of
living you can possibly do."

'She then furnished her with some of her own clothes, till she could
procure her new ones, and sent immediately for a physician from the next
town; by following of whose prescription, together with good nursing,
and plenty of all necessaries, she soon recovered her health; but she
was too deeply affected with the thoughts of her former misconduct ever
to feel happy in her situation, though Mrs. Flail used every method in
her power to render her as comfortable as possible. Nor did she confine
her goodness only to this one daughter, but sent also for her sister and
mother (her father being dead), and fitted up a neat little house
for them near their own. But as the Flails could not afford wholly to
maintain them for nothing, they entrusted the poultry to their care;
which enabled them to do with one servant less; and by that means they
could, without any great expense, afford to give them sufficient to make
their lives comfortable, that is, as far as their own reflections would
let them; for the last words Mrs. Speedgo said to Molly, when she parted
from her, dwelt continually upon her mind, and filled her with shame and
remorse.

'"I told her," said she, "that she should never again come into my
doors, or eat another mouthful in my house; and now it is her bounty
alone which keeps us all from perishing. Oh! how unworthy are we of such
goodness! True, indeed, was what she told you, that kindness and virtue
were far more valuable than riches. Goodness and kindness no time or
change can take from us; but riches soon fly as it were away, and then
what are we the better for having been once possessed of them?"'

Here Mr. John stopped, and jumping hastily up, and turning round to Mrs.
Sally, Mrs. Nelly, and Mr. Bob, exclaimed, rubbing his hands--'There
ladies, I have finished my story; and, let me tell you, so long
preaching has made my throat dry, so another mug of ale, if you please,
Master Bobby (tapping him at the same time upon the shoulder), another
mug of ale, my boy; for faith, talking at the rate I have done,
is enough to wear a man's lungs out, and, in truth, I have need of
something to hearten me after such fatigue.'

'Well, I am sure,' replied Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, in the same
breath, 'we are greatly obliged to you for your history; and I a