r so cautious.

'Were my life in question, instead of my honesty, I would not wish to
involve you, or any body, in the least difficulty, for so worthless a
poor creature. But, O sir! my soul is of equal importance with the soul
of a princess; though my quality is inferior to that of the meanest
slave.

'Save then my innocence, good Heaven! and preserve my mind spotless; and
happy shall I be to lay down my worthless life; and see an end to all my
troubles and anxieties.

'Forgive my impatience: But my presaging mind bodes horrid mischiefs!
Every thing looks dark around me; and this woman's impenetrable
sullenness and silence, without any apparent reason, from a conduct so
very contrary, bid me fear the worst.--blame me, sir, if you think me
wrong; and let me have your advice what to do; which will oblige

'Your most afflicted servant.'

Friday.

I have this half-angry answer; but, what is more to me than all the
letters in the world could be, yours, my dear father, enclosed.

'MADAM,

'I think you are too apprehensive by much; I am sorry for your
uneasiness. You may depend upon me, and all I can do. But I make no
doubt of the London journey, nor of John's contrition and fidelity.
I have just received, from my Gainsborough friend, this letter, as I
suppose, from your good father, in a cover, directed for me, as I had
desired. I hope it contains nothing to add to your uneasiness. Pray,
dearest madam, lay aside your fears, and wait a few days for the issue
of Mrs. Jewkes's letter, and mine of thanks to Mr. B----. Things, I
hope, must be better than you expect. Providence will not desert such
piety and innocence: and be this your comfort and reliance: Which is the
best advice that can at present be given, by

'Your most faithful humble servant.'

N. B. The father's letter was as follows:

'My DEAREST DAUGHTER,

'Our prayers are at length heard, and we are overwhelmed with joy. O
what sufferings, what trials, hast thou gone through! Blessed be
the Divine goodness, which has enabled thee to withstand so many
temptations! We have not yet had leisure to read through your long
accounts of all your hardships. I say long, because I wonder how you
could find time and opportunity for them: but otherwise they are the
delight of our spare hours; and we shall read them over and over, as
long as we live, with thankfulness to God, who has given us s