ved proper
directions how to regulate her conduct, visited her in person that same
evening. Finding her quite calm, and her reflection quite restored, she
began with exhorting her to put her trust in Providence, which would
never forsake the cause of the injured widow and fatherless. She
promised to assist and befriend her on all occasions, as far as her
abilities would reach. She gradually turned the conversation upon the
family of the Greaves; and by degrees informed her, that Sir Launcelot,
having learned her situation, was determined to extricate her from all
her troubles. Perceiving her astonished, and deeply affected at this
intimation, she artfully shifted the discourse, recommended resignation
to the divine will, and observed, that this circumstance seemed to be an
earnest of further happiness.

"Oh! I'm incapable of receiving more!" cried the disconsolate widow, with
streaming eyes.--"Yet I ought not to be surprised at any blessing that
flows from that quarter. The family of Greaves were always virtuous,
humane, and benevolent. This young gentleman's mother was my dear lady
and benefactress:--he himself was suckled at these breasts. Oh! he was
the sweetest, comeliest, best-conditioned babe!--I loved not my own
Greaves with greater affection--but he, alas! is now no more!" "Have
patience, good neighbour," said the landlady of the White Hart, "that
is more than you have any right to affirm--all that you know of the
matter is by common report, and common report is commonly false; besides,
I can tell you I have seen a list of the men that were killed in Admiral
P----'s ship, when he fought the French in the East Indies, and your
son was not in the number." To this intimation she replied, after a
considerable pause, "Don't, my good neighbour, don't feed me with false
hope.--My poor Greaves too certainly perished in a foreign land--yet he
is happy;--had he lived to see me in this condition, grief would soon
have put a period to his days." "I tell you then," cried the visitant,
"he is not dead. I have seen a letter that mentions his being well since
the battle. You shall come along with me--you are no longer a prisoner,
but shall live at my house comfortably, till your affairs are settled to
your wish." The poor widow followed her in silent astonishment, and was
immediately accommodated with necessaries.

Next morning her hostess proceeded with her in the same cautious manner,
until she was assured that