power to help others of my countrymen who required assistance; but still
the picture of my dear husband, in that dreadful slave-ship, is
constantly coming before me; and often and often I think of my beloved
child, thrown among strangers, who may too probably be of an inferior
class, unable to give her instruction, or perhaps Papists, who will
bring her up in a faith so contrary to that for which her father died,
and those who love her suffered!"

Jack, much interested in what he heard, promised faithfully to lose no
opportunity of making inquiries for the little Elise, who, however, by
that time must have been fifteen years of age--a fact which her mother,
when first describing her, seemed to have overlooked.

When Jack afterwards told Brinsmead of the commission he had undertaken,
the old man smiled somewhat grimly, as was his wont when he smiled at
all, saying, "I am afraid it will be something like looking for a needle
in a stack of hay, but at the same time the needle may be found, so I do
not tell you not to do your best to execute the poor lady's wishes."

Madame de Mertens had just brought her history to a conclusion when Mr
Gournay, accompanied by Giles Dainsforth, entered the room.

"Friend Deane, I am truly glad to see thee," he said, taking Deane by
the hand. "I have heard of thee from friend Dainsforth here, and of thy
family, and I trust that anon we shall become better acquainted. Thou
hast an honest face, and if thou art diligent in business, thou art sure
to gain the competency which is all that a man need desire in this life,
and albeit its wealth flows in on some, by God's providence; remember,
shouldst thou ever possess it, that wealth may prove a snare and
temptation to thee, even as great as want and poverty is to some men.
Thou wilt have need of prayer for guidance, even as much as thou hast at
present, for the devil is ever going about like a roaring lion, seeking
whom he may devour; and the rich man may prove as dainty a morsel to him
as the poor one--but above all does he delight in feeding upon those who
have a name to lose, those who are ensigns and leaders in their church,
elders and deacons, and such like. However, thou hast been journeying
all day, and I will not speak to thee more of this subject at present,
so come with us that thou mayst recruit thine inner man."

Saying this, the hospitable and generous Quaker led the way to his
handsome parlour. Though his own dress was simpl