field, on a declivity, which I was not long in running across it was bounded by a narrow lane, with high banks, thickly wooded; and in this snug place, concealed from pursuit, either by quadruped or biped, I was not sorry to rest and recover my breath. All was still, and after a short time I set forward again, and in about an hour found my way back to the spot from which I had diverged before my sojourn with Peter Romius."

When Marcus concluded his account he was congratulated by all present, on having so happily got away from a house whence, probably, in a few hours more, he would have been unable to effect his escape.

Luke, who had listened with especial interest, said "he had no doubt, that the person talking with Peter was the same he had himself seen; to wit, Superstition."

Then they discoursed further on the subject, and Paul observed, "That meekness and lowliness of mind must have been essential in the character of the blessed Virgin, who, before she was exalted, was degraded in the opinions of her kindred and neighbours by unjust, though natural suspicions, hard to bear for any one conscious of innocence, but much

more so had she been accused of a proud, imperious disposition."

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True," said Grace; "and her faith evinced itself strong in submission, like that of Abraham."

It was time now for Marcus to proceed on his journey, and Paul and Luke would fain have persuaded him to tarry till they went, that they might travel together, for he was pleasant and lively in conversation, and they would miss his society; but he told them, that though inclination urged him to wait for them, he must go on without delay, because he had a relative living in the Town of Vanity, who had been for some time expecting him: so they parted with mutual regret, and hopes of soon meeting again in the above-named town.

Paul asked the good man of the house if he knew any of its inhabitants, and in what part he would advise them to put up, if they should have to remain there any time?

he;

I have but few acquaintance there," answered

"but one man I know well, for he is my brother-in-law; and at my request he has occasionally lodged pilgrims at his house: indeed, it came into my mind to recommend you to him, for as few travellers get very rapidly through the large and

K

busy Town of Vanity, you may probably be detained there some days."

"And I," said poor Myra, who had been listening to the conversation in sad silence, "must remain there always, for it is my destination:" the tears came into her eyes as she spoke.

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No, dear," said Grace to her; why should you remain there, if you do not wish it?"

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I am sure I do not wish it," replied she; "but you know I was going there when you so kindly took me with you, saying that you must pass through it yourselves."

Grace. I remember, now, you told us you were on your way there when we first met; but I cannot see the smallest necessity for your still adhering to that intention, when you had rather not.

Myra. My aunt told me, when I left my home, that I must earn my maintenance in the City of Vanity by servitude.

"Never!" cried Luke, with sudden emotion. Then, turning to Grace, with deepening colour, "What say you, sister? Do you agree to this? No, indeed!" answered she. I should be very sorry to agree to any thing of the kind, unless there

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were some strong and insurmountable reasons for it,

which do not appear to me at present. Can you state any, dear Myra?" continued she.

Myra. No, I cannot; for my conscience does not tell me I owe it as a duty to my aunt, who, I believe, did not care where I went, provided she got rid of me.

Grace. Indeed, I do not see that you owe her any duty, except that of Christian forgiveness of injuries, which it is our Divine Master's precept should be accorded even to our enemies.

Myra. Perhaps you are right: at any rate your counsel is kind, dear friend, as it always has been, and agrees with my own wish. But, putting this question aside, what other means can I adopt to gain a livelihood in a strange place, amongst strangers?

Paul, who had hitherto been a silent, but attentive, listener to the discussion, now joined in it. "It will be a strange place to us all," said he; “but, as you will be with us, you cannot be entirely among strangers, unless you consider us as such."

"No," said she, smiling; "you know I could not do that but I mean, if I am left there when you are gone."

"Which shall never happen with my consent," returned he;" and I think my dear wife and her

brother will not differ from me in this determination.

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"As for me," said Grace (addressing Myra), now that you have gone so far with us, and shared in our dangers and pleasures, I could not bear to leave you behind. It would be like parting with an only sister."

"You are all too good to me," exclaimed the orphan; "but I do not like to continue a burden upon you, having little or nothing to contribute to the general stock."

"Well," replied Grace, "if you are willing to stay in our company till any of us think you a burden, we are not likely to lose you. As to your contributing any thing in a pecuniary way, we should not have thought of it. You are ever welcome to share in what there is amongst us, and riches are not essential to pilgrims. For what said our Saviour to his disciples? When I sent you without purse, or scrip, or shoes, lacked you any thing?'" Myra's scruples were overcome, and she acknowledged with grateful joy how much she should prefer remaining with them, and that though she could never repay her debt of gratitude, she would always endeavour to render herself useful to her benefactors.