feel it till I got to Greenbush, and was told my husband had escaped
from confinement the week before. Whither he had gone, no one knew, but
all told me that if he was not retaken, he had probably reached Canada.

"I would have come straight home again, but my strength was utterly
gone. I have not much recollection from this time: I remember having a
fear that they would take my boy from me, but all seems as a dream, till
I came to myself two months after in the alms-house in Albany. From that
time I remained in a low wretched state, for four months, when this poor
baby was born into this world of trouble."

Here the poor woman gave way to a burst of tears, which seemed to be
a relief to her full heart; for afterwards, she proceeded with more
composure. "Many months passed before I was able to do any thing for
myself. It pleased God to hear my prayer for patience; and though I was
often without any hope that times would ever mend with me, I was kept
from fretting. You are very kind to feel for me, but I will not tire
you with all my ups and downs for the last three years. I have sent
many letters into Canada, but have never received any return. My heart
sometimes misgives me, and I think my husband has gone to Europe--or
maybe is dead."

"But, why," asked Mrs. Sackville, "have you remained so long in the
States?"

"O, ma'am, I was afraid to undertake the journey with my poor baby, who
has always been but delicate, and I was determined not to leave Albany,
where I had made many kind friends, till I had earned something to help
us on our journey. I know how to turn my hands to almost any kind of
work; and the last year has prospered so well with me, that when I left
Albany I had forty dollars. At Buffalo my poor baby was taken down; and
I have been obliged to spend ten dollars; with the rest I hope to get to
Quebec; and if worst comes to worst, I may there find friends to send
me to Europe."

The poor woman's story was not one of unparalleled misfortunes, but it
was unusually interesting to her hearers--there was so much resolution
and mildness blended in her countenance, such perfect cleanliness in her
coarse apparel, and such an evident solicitude to avoid any exaggeration,
or even display of her troubles, that could be an appeal to the charity
of her auditors, that when she concluded, they felt convinced of her
merit, and deeply interested in her welfare. They were now arrived at
the inn, where they were to await