long as they trod in the paths of virtue; but no sooner did they swerve into forbidden ways, than they began to press and hurt sadly. Grace received all these presents thankfully, saying, they would not only remind her of her kind friends, but be very useful to her in her pilgrimage.

Evangelist had departed the day after the marriage, and she said she thought it was time for them to follow his example and resume their journey; but Charity replied, that for that reason they must stay a day or two longer, that they might not lose all their friends at once; so it was agreed they should. Then they talked of Grace's new connexion, saying how happy she was to be joined to one whose love was pure and unselfish, and what a contrast it was to that false and low feeling that Mr. Social called love; Charity added, that both their tempers were so good, that the excellent maxim of "bear and forbear" might be less necessary in their case than in most others.

When their last day there arrived, it was met with regret, for all three had been so happy there, that they felt loth to quit the scene of their enjoyment. Early on the morning of their departure, Paul and Luke were taken to the Armory, as was customary

with former travellers on leaving the house, and there directed to "put on the whole armour of God," consisting of "the breast-plate of righteousness," "the shield of faith," "the helmet of salvation," and "the sword of the Spirit ;" and had their "loins girt about with truth," and their "feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace.”

Watchful, the porter, assisted to array them; and when thus equipped, they felt "strengthened in the inner man," and the appearance of each was admired by his fellow, as likewise by Grace, when they joined her in the hall where she awaited them. And now the last farewell words were spoken between the kind virgins and their guests, not without tears on the part of Grace, to whom, and her companions, much good advice was given. Watchful and Discretion were desired to go with them to the entrance of the Valley of Humiliation, which was but a little way off.

I have heard much of this valley," observed Paul," and that some pilgrims have greatly feared descending into it."

"They have so," said Watchful; “but, I think, with little reason. Such was not the feeling of your mother, Mercy, who said it suited well with her dis

position. And, what is more, the Prince of the country himself sojourned here continually, when

he had not where to lay his head,' during his abode in the Land of Imperfection. These considerations should make it less displeasing to those who wish to follow his steps."

Luke. The moisture of the ground makes it rather slippery. Is it generally thus?

Watchful. It is frequently so, both from its declivity and the moisture you observe, which latter is by reason of its contiguity to the Vale of Tears, for that is generally in a swampy state. Yet persons do not so often meet with falls in this place as in some others; or, if they do, the ground is so soft that they are seldom hurt.

Now I saw that Watchful and Discretion proceeded with the three pilgrims till they were fairly in the valley and on level ground, and then, bidding them God speed, returned up the hill to the Palace Beautiful. They had not been gone long, when the sky was darkened with gathering clouds, and it rained heavily. Paul and Luke were kept perfectly dry by their armour, but the feminine garments of

* See "Pilgrim's Progress," Second Part.

VALLEY OF HUMILIATION.

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Grace would soon have been thoroughly wet, had they not espied an old shed near at hand, intended, probably, for sheltering cattle in winter. Into this they entered, whilst the rain continued unabated, and accompanied by a chill wind that moaned sadly through the apertures of the dilapidated tenement.

16 How dismal this looks and sounds!" exclaimed Grace to her brother.

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It does, indeed,” said he; "but we must not expect perpetual sunshine."

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"And we are fortunate in getting this shelter," remarked Paul. "Besides, no place, or weather, appears dismal to me, as long as you are with me,” continued he, in an affectionate tone to his bride. Just as he had spoken, they heard something like a deep sigh, not far from them. They listened. It is only the wind," said Luke; but presently it was repeated, with a sound as of some one moving at the farthest corner of the shed, which was in such obscurity, that, at first, they did not discern any thing; but, on going up to it, they discovered a young girl of about fifteen or sixteen, apparently in great trouble. On inquiring who she was, and whence she came, she replied, as well as her sobs

I would let her:-
:-

"I am called Myra, and I come from the Vale of Tears."

"And why are you so sad?" asked Grace, compassionately.

The poor girl rose, and standing meekly before her, with clasped hands and downcast look, replied, "Oh! I have had much to sadden me. It is but a week since my dear father died. He was my only parent, and I his only child, for he lost my mother when I was little more than a year old."

The travellers made her sit down, and tried to comfort her, and by degrees she told them more of her history. And though she spoke with simplicity and modesty of herself, it appeared that she had nursed her beloved father for many months in an ague, with great filial affection, but her anxious cares were not rewarded by his recovery; and, to add to her sorrow for his loss, she had an aunt, who was a harsh, unfeeling woman, that, besides treating her very unkindly, contrived to deprive her of the little property which was rightly her own. The very few neighbours she had were without the power, though not without the will, to render her assistance, had they known the facts of the case; but these were shamefully misrepresented to them by the cruel and