madam, for your good opinion."

"And I hope that you will admit that I have not been a hard mistress to
you, Mary, but, on the contrary, have shown you that I have been pleased
with your conduct."

"Certainly, madam, you have; and I trust I am grateful."

"I believe so," replied Mrs Austin. "Now, Mary, I wish you to confide
in me altogether. What I wish to know is how did you in so short a time
become acquainted with this Furness, so as to obtain this secret from
him? I may say, whom did you live with, and how did you live, when at
Gravesend? for you have not mentioned that to me. It seems so odd to me
that this man should have told to a person whom he had seen but for a
few hours a secret of such moment."

Mary's tears fell fast, but she made no reply.

"Cannot you answer me, Mary?"

"I can, madam," said she, at last; "but if I tell the truth--and I
cannot tell a lie now--you will despise me, and perhaps order me to
leave the house immediately; and if you do what will become of me?"

"Mary, if you think I intend to take advantage of a confession extorted
from you, you do me wrong I ask the question because it is necessary
that I should know the truth--because I cannot confide in you without
you first confide in me; tell me, Mary, and do not be afraid."

"Madam, I will; but pray do not forget that I have been under your roof
for five years, and that I have been during that time an honest and
modest girl. I was not so once, I confess it," and Mary's cheeks were
red with shame, and she hung down her head.

"We are all sinful creatures, Mary," replied Mrs Austin; "and who is
there that has not fallen into error? The Scriptures say, `Let him who
is without sin cast the first stone;' nay more, Mary, `There is more joy
over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine who need no
repentance.' Shall I then be harsh to you, my poor girl? No, no. By
trusting me you have made me your friend; you must be mine, Mary, for I
want a friend now."

Poor Mary fell on her knees before Mrs Austin, and wept over her hand
as she kissed it repeatedly.

Mrs Austin was much affected, and as the contrite girl recovered
herself, Mrs Austin leaned on her elbow, and putting her arm round
Mary's neck, drew her head towards her, and gently kissed her on the
brow.

"You are, indeed, a kind friend, madam," said Mary, after a pause, "and
may the Almighty reward you! You are unhappy; I know not why, but I
would die to serv