had been her own
Mother and Sister: The good old Counsellor still commending and
encouraging their Care. The Roses and Lillies at last took their Places
again; but the Clouds of her Sorrow were still but too visible. Two
Years more past, without one Word of Advice from _Gracelove_ or any
Account of him from any one else; insomuch, that they all concluded he
was certainly dead: And, 'twas true, indeed, that his Ship and he were
cast away, much about that Time that the Gentleman gave _Fairlaw_ a
Relation: That 'twas certain he had lost above 12000_l._ and had like
to have lost his Life; but being very expert in Swimming, he got to
Shoar upon the Coast of _Barbary_, the Wreck happening not to be above
three Leagues thence; he was in almost as bad a Condition as if he had
been drown'd, for here he was made a Prisoner to one of the Natives; in
which miserable Circumstance he lanquish'd for above six Years, for Want
of a Ransom; which he had often endeavour'd to raise by Letters, that he
sent hither to his Friends (in _England_;) amongst which Counsellor
_Fairlaw_ was one of his most particular and assur'd. But however
Providence or Accident, if you please, order'd it, not a Line came to
the Hands of any of his Friends; so that had not Heaven had yet a future
Blessing in Store for him, he had certainly have better perish'd in the
Sea, than to have fall'n into the Power of a People less merciful than
Seas, Winds, or hungry wild Beasts in Pursuit of their Prey. But this
could not be learn'd (it seems) from any Man but himself, upon his
Return, after his Redemption.

Two Years more pass'd on; towards the latter of which the old Lady
_Fairlaw_ took her Bed, desperately sick, insomuch that she was given
over by all her Physicians; she continu'd in great Misery for near two
Months; in all which Time _Philadelphia_ was constantly with her all the
Day, or all the Night; much about that Time she dy'd; and, dying, told
her Husband, that she had observ'd he had a particular Esteem or
Kindness for _Philadelphia_; which was now a great Satisfaction to her;
since she was assur'd, that if he marry'd her, she would prove an
excellent Nurse to him, and prolong his Life by some Years. As for
_Eugenia_, (added she) you need not be concern'd; I'm sure she will
consent to any Thing that you shall propose, having already so
plentifully provided for her. The good old Gentleman answer'd, that he
would fulfil her Will as far as lay in his Power: And