24 "Thou hast been imprudent," said our mother, "but thou hast not done wickedly, therefore there is no cause for this excess of sorrow." We went to meeting, the next being first day, and one of our friends was led to speak from those comfortable words in the Prophet Isaiah-" When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." These words were so suitable to our case, that I was more affected than I had ever been in any of our assemblies-every word our friend spoke seemed addressed to me; and I now, for the first time, felt, what I had so often heard my mother and husband talk of, the preciousness of scripture applied to the heart. After worship, our friends came around us, and condoled with us on account of our misfortune, as worldly people call such events." "And pray what do you call them?" said the 'squire. "We don't talk of good and bad fortune,” replied Mrs. Placid, “because there is something heathenish in the phrase—we call them trying dispensations, or chastising providences. Our friends, as I expected, told my husband they would assist him again to set up in business; and we returned to the little lodging, to which we had taken our mother, and where we engaged another room for ourselves; it happening, most providentially, that the people of the

GOOD AND BAD FORTUNE.

1

THE SUBJECT ADJOurned.

25

house were our particular friends, and quite willing to accommodate us with ready money: thus are afflictions frequently alleviated by favourable circumstances attending them. But (said Mrs. Placid) our coach is just drawing up to the Inn, where I suppose we are to dine." "Just so," said the 'squire, looking out; "well, the time has past quickly away but you have not ended your story; I like to hear you talk, and indeed I always did like to hear women talk to the purpose." "Then, sir," said I," you will have no objection to the lady's resuming her subject after dinner." "Not in the least," replied he.-Mrs. P. promised compliance with our wishes, and as we followed her into the Inn, the 'squire whispered me-" A good sensible woman, notwithstanding her qua kerism!"

CHAP. III.

Miss Finakin awake, and talking of misery. All parties busily engaged. Mrs. Placid's treatment of an insolent Coachman. The 'Squire prefers an inside place with the ladies, to an outside seat with a smart Captain. Mrs. Placid proceeds with her history. The 'Squire's opinion of the doctrine of good works, and the duties of a wife. An interesting point of controversy briefly discussed. A shower of rain. And an addition made to the party in consequence.

MISS Finakin's eyes were scarcely opened, and her senses restored to their usual tone of discernment, when she was hurried from the coach into the Inn. She then looked at her watch, and exclaimed, "What a misery! just twelve o'clock, what an hour for dinner!" "The misery of the business," replied our country-gentleman," would be to have no dinner to eat; but truly I think there must be some mistake, it is not common to dine so early, even in travelling!" Upon inquiry we found we were only summoned from our vehicle for the purpose of changing it, and most readers know the confusion and anxiety this ce"Mind that sword-case in remony occasions. the boot," cries the captain. "If any harm comes to that gun there, I'll blow your brains out, you rascal," vociferated the 'squire" Oh!

THE COACHMAN REMEMBERED.

27

mercy, I shall lose my box!" screamed Miss Fi nakin" Why shouldest thou anticipate evil?" said Mrs. Placid; "I make no doubt all our goods will be safe, but we must give an eye, whilst they are removing." So saying, she stepped briskly to the Inn-yard, and I followed, not wholly regardless of the fate of my portmanteau. At length matters were all adjusted to the satisfaction of each party; and the coachman, with many bows and scrapes, requested to be remembered by our honours. "Friend," said Mrs. Placid, "thou desirest to be remembered, dost thou desire me to remember the words which thou madest use of when I entered thy coach this morning?" The man hesitated, and twirled his hat round the top of a short whip he held in his hand; at length"I hopes, ma'am," said he, " as how you'll forget, and forgive." "Thou shalt have a convincing proof of it," replied Mrs. P. as she put her hand into her pocket; " but remember, I do not reward thine ill words, and rude behaviour; but I give thee this trifle because it is my duty to return good for evil, and in the hope that thou wilt for the future consider it as thy duty to act with civility to all thy passengers."

Our country-gentleman was requested by the captain to partake of his company on the outside of the coach, it being a most delightful day for the accommodation of those who from choice

or economy occupy those upper stories, but re

28

THE STORY RESUMED.

plied, "No, no, captain, I have such good coinpany within, that I won't run the risk of an exchange;" and so saying, he stepped into the coach. "Your sleepy fit, madam," said he to Miss Finakin, "has deprived you of some plea, sant conversation; but I hope now you are com→ pletely awake, and disposed to listen to what this gentlewoman has further to say-let me see, you left off just after the fire, I think, ma'am-Did your friends set your husband up again in business?" "I am aware," said Mrs. Placid, addressing herself to Miss Finakin," that it is very probable thou mayest form a contemptible opinion of that person's understanding, who, in a stage-coach, relates the history of her life, and, generally speaking, it would be highly improper and absurd, but I have been led to do it from the hope of edification, and therefore desire thou wilt not ascribe the action either to folly or impertinence." Miss F. made no other answer to this address, than by a bow of her head, and an acute physiognomist might have discovered a look of contempt, which escaped the obser vation of Mrs. Placid, who now proceeded as follows:

"Providence raised us up many kind friends, and my husband was soon enabled to open another shop in the neighbourhood, and we again enjoyed the blessing of a good trade: he was also prevailed on to insure our property, and my mind