ting-maid! And if he
takes care she wants for nothing, I don't see any great injury will be
done her. He hurts no family by this:' (So, my dear father and mother,
it seems that poor people's honesty is to go for nothing) 'And I think,
Mr. Williams, you, of all men, should not engage in this affair, against
your friend and patron.' He spoke this in so determined a manner, that
the lady had done; and I had only to beg no notice should be taken of
the matter as from me.

'I have hinted your case to Mr. Peters, the minister of this parish;
but I am concerned to say, that he imputed selfish views to me, as if
I would make an interest in your affections by my zeal. And when I
represented the duties of our function, and the like, and protested my
disinterestedness, he coldly said, I was very good; but was a young man,
and knew little of the world. And though it was a thing to be lamented,
yet when he and I should set about to reform mankind in this respect, we
should have enough upon our hands; for, he said, it was too common and
fashionable a case to be withstood by a private clergyman or two: and
then he uttered some reflections upon the conduct of the present fathers
of the church, in regard to the first personages of the realm, as a
justification of his coldness on this score.

'I represented the different circumstances of your affair; that other
women lived evilly by their own consent, but to serve you, was to save
an innocence that had but few examples; and then I shewed him your
letter.

'He said it was prettily written: and he was sorry for you; and that
your good intentions ought to be encouraged: But what, said he, would
you have me do, Mr. Williams? Why suppose, sir, said I, you give her
shelter in your house, with your spouse and niece, till she can get to
her friends.--What! and embroil myself with a man of Mr. B----'s power
and fortune! No, not I, I'll assure you!--And I would have you consider
what you are about. Besides, she owns, continued he, that he promises
to do honourably by her; and her shyness will procure her good terns
enough; for he is no covetous nor wicked gentleman, except in this case;
and 'tis what all young gentlemen will do.

'I am greatly concerned for him, I assure you: but I am not discouraged
by this ill success, let what will come of it, if I can serve you.

'I don't hear, as yet, that Mr. B---- is coming. I am glad of your hint
as to that unhappy fellow John Arnold. Something, perha