y) any thing
within my Strength and my Knowledge, I mean, Madam. Thou say'st well,
(said the Lady) and I'm sorry I have not any vacant for thee. I beseech
your Ladyship then (said _Arabella_) let me lodge in your Barn to-Night;
for I am told it is a great Way hence to any Town, and I have but little
Money. In my Barn, poor Girl! (cry'd the Lady, looking very earnestly on
her) ay, God forbid else, unless we can find a better Lodging for thee.
Art thou hungry or thirsty? Yes, Madam (reply'd the wandering Fair One)
I could both eat and drink, if it please your Ladyship. The Lady
commanded Victuals and Drink to be brought, and could not forbear
staying in the Hall 'till she had done; when she ask'd her several
Questions, as of what Country she was? To which she answer'd truly, of
_Somersetshire_. What her Parents were, and if living? To which she
return'd, They were good, honest, and religious People, and she hop'd
they were alive, and in as good Health as when she left 'em. After the
Lady had done catechising her, _Arabella_, looking on the little Child
in her Ladyship's Arms, said, Pardon me, Madam, I beseech you, if I am
too bold in asking your Ladyship how that pretty Creature's Eyes came to
be so bad? By an extream Cold which she took, (reply'd the Lady.) I had
not presum'd (return'd t'other) to have ask'd your Ladyship this
Question, were I not assur'd that I have an infallible Cure for the
Infirmity; and if, Madam, you will be pleas'd to let me apply it, I will
tell your Ladyship the Remedy in private. The Lady was much surpriz'd to
hear a young Creature, so meanly habited, talk so genteelly; and after
surveying her very strictly, said the Lady, Have you ever experienc'd it
before? Yes, Madam (reply'd the fair Physician) and never without happy
Success: I dare engage, Madam, (added she) that I will make 'em as well
as my own, by God's Blessing, or else I will be content to lose mine,
which Heaven forbid. Amen, (cry'd the good Lady) for they are very fine
ones, on my Word.--Stay, Child, I will desire Sir _Christian_ to hear it
with me; and if he approves it, you shall about it; and if it take good
Effect, we will endeavour to requite the Care and Pains it shall cost
you. Saying thus, she immediately left her, and return'd very speedily
with Sir _Christian_, who having discours'd _Arabella_ for some time,
with great Satisfaction and Pleasure, took her into the Parlour with his
Lady, where she communicated her Secret to '