reward in
due time. Alas for me! I dare not plead for him; that would raise my
oppressor's jealousy more. And I have not interest to save myself!

Sunday evening.

Mrs. Jewkes has received a line from my master: I wonder what it is, for
his chariot is come home without him. But she will tell me nothing; so
it is in vain to ask her. I am so fearful of plots and tricks, I know
not what to do!--Every thing I suspect; for, now my disgrace is avowed,
what can I think!--To be sure, the worst will be attempted! I can only
pour out my soul in prayer to God, for his blessed protection. But, if
I must suffer, let me not be long a mournful survivor!--Only let me not
shorten my own time sinfully!----

This woman left upon the table, in the chamber, this letter of my
master's to her; and I bolted myself in, till I had transcribed it.
You'll see how tremblingly, by the lines. I wish poor Mr. Williams's
release at any rate; but this letter makes my heart ache. Yet I have
another day's reprieve, thank God!

'MRS. JEWKES,

'I have been so pressed on Williams's affair, that I shall set out this
afternoon, in Sir Simon's chariot, and with Parson Peters, who is his
intercessor, for Stamford; and shall not be back till to-morrow evening,
if then. As to your ward, I am thoroughly incensed against her: She has
withstood her time; and now, would she sign and seal to my articles, it
is too late. I shall discover something, perhaps, by him; and will, on
my return, let her know, that all her ensnaring loveliness shall not
save her from the fate that awaits her. But let her know nothing of
this, lest it put her fruitful mind upon plots and artifices. Be sure
trust her not without another with you at night, lest she venture the
window in her foolish rashness: for I shall require her at your hands.

'Yours, etc.'

I had but just finished taking a copy of this, and laid the letter where
I had it, and unbolted the door, when she came up in a great fright, for
fear I should have seen it; but I being in my closet, and that lying
as she left it, she did not mistrust. O, said she, I was afraid you had
seen my master's letter here, which I carelessly left on the table.
I wish, said I, I had known that. Why sure, said she, if you had, you
would not have offered to read my letters! Indeed, said I, I should, at
this time, if it had been in my way:--Do let me see it.--Well, said she,
I wish