is
disinterested views in espousing me. I was next day boarded in company
with the wife of another officer, who had long been the friend and
confidant of my husband, at a village not far from London, where they
parted with us in the most melting manner, went to Flanders, and were
killed in sight of one another at the battle of the Wood.

"Why should I tire you with a description of our unutterable sorrow at
the fatal news of this event, the remembrance of which now fills my aged
eyes with tears! When our grief subsided a little, and reflection came
to our aid, we found ourselves deserted by the whole world, and in
danger of perishing by want; whereupon we made application for the
pension, and were put upon the list. Then, vowing eternal friendship,
sold our jewels and superfluous clothes, retired to this place (which is
in the county of Sussex) bought this little house, where we lived many
years in a solitary manner, indulging our mutual sorrow, till it pleased
Heaven to call away my companion two years ago; since which time I have
lingered out an unhappy being, in hopes of a speedy dissolution, when
I promise myself the eternal reward of all my cares. In the meantime,"
continued she, "I must inform you of the character I bear among my
neighbours. My conversation being different from that of the inhabitants
of the village, my recluse way of life, my skill in curing distempers,
which I acquired from books since I settled here, and lastly, my age
having made the common people look upon me as something preternatural,
and I am actually, at this hour, believed to be a witch. The parson
of the parish, whose acquaintance I have not been at much pains to
cultivate, taking umbrage at my supposed disrespect, has contributed not
a little towards the confirmation of this opinion, by dropping
certain hints to my prejudice among the vulgar, who are also very much
scandalised at my entertaining this poor tabby cat with the collar about
her neck, which was a favourite of my deceased companion."

The whole behaviour of this venerable person was so primitive, innocent,
sensible, and humane, that I contracted a filial respect for her, and
begged her advice with regard to my future conduct, as soon as I was
in a condition to act for myself. She dissuaded me from a design I had
formed of travelling to Louder, in hopes of retrieving my clothes and
pay, by returning to my ship, which by this time I read in the newspaper
was safely arrived in