this part of the country, and proceed to London ?" said the Rector.

66

Certainly, sir; for I may say, in one sense, that the avenger of blood is behind me; and if I were but assured against misway"

chief by the way

“I have made enquiry," said the clergyman, “after the suspicious characters you described. They have left their place of rendezvous; but as they may be lurking in the neighbourhood, and as you say you have special reason to apprehend violence from them, I will put you under the charge of a steady person, who will protect you as far as Stamford, and see you into a light coach, which goes from thence to Lon don."

"A coach is not for the like of me, sir," said Jeanie; to whom the idea of a stagecoach was unknown, as indeed they were then only used in the neighbourhood of London.

Mr Staunton briefly explained that she would find that mode of conveyance more

commodious, cheaper, and more safe than travelling on horseback. She expressed her gratitude with so much singleness of heart, that he was induced to ask her whether she wanted the pecuniary means of prosecuting her journey. She thanked him, but said she had enough for her purpose, and indeed she had husbanded her stock with great care. This reply served also to remove some doubts, which naturally enough still floated in Mr Staunton's mind, respecting her character and real purpose, and satisfied him, at least, that money did not enter into her scheme of deception, if an impostor she should prove. He next requested to know what part of the city she wished to go to.

"To a very decent merchant, a cousin o' my ain, a Mrs Glass, sir, that sells snuff and tobacco, at the sign o' the Thistle, somegate in the town."

Jeanie communicated this intelligence with a feeling that a connection so respectable ought to give her consequence in the

eyes of Mr Staunton; and she was a good deal surprised when he answered,

"And is this woman your only acquaintance in London, my poor girl? and have you really no better knowledge where she is to be found ?”

"I was gaun to see the Duke of Argyle, forbye Mrs Glass," said Jeanie; “and if your honour thinks it would be best to go there first, and get some of his Grace's folks to show me my cousin's shop———”

"Are you acquainted with any of the Duke of Argyle's people?" said the Rector.

"No, sir."

"Her brain must be something touched after all, or it would be impossible for her to rely on such introductions.-Well," said he aloud, "I must not enquire into the cause of your journey, and so I cannot be fit to give you advice how to manage it. But the landlady of the house where the coach stops, is a very decent person; and,

as I use her house sometimes, I will give you a recommendation to her."

Jeanie thanked him for his kindness with her best courtesy, and said, "That with his honour's line, and ane from worthy Mrs Bickerton, that keeps the Seven Stars at York, she did not doubt to be well taken out in Lunnon."

"And now," said he, "I presume you will be desirous to set out immediately."

"If I had been in an inn, sir, or any suitable resting-place," answered Jeanie, "I wad not have presumed to use the Lord's day for travelling; but as I am on a journey of mercy, I trust my doing so will not be imputed."

"You may, if you chuse, remain with Mrs Dalton for the evening; but I desire you will have no further correspondence with my son, who is not a proper counsel lor for a a person of your age, whatever your difficulties may be."

"Your honour speaks ower truly in

that," said Jeanie; "it was not with my will that I spoke wi' him just now, and— not to wish the gentleman ony thing but gude-I never wish to see him between the een again.

"If you please," added the Rector, "as you seem to be a seriously-disposed young woman, you may attend family worship in the hall this evening."

"I thank your honour," said Jeanie; "but I am doubtful if my attendance would be to edification."

"How!" said the Rector; " so young, and already unfortunate enough to have doubts upon the duties of religion!"

"God forbid, sir," replied Jeanie; “it is not for that; but I have been bred in the faith of the suffering remnant of the presbyterian doctrine in Scotland, and I am doubtful if I can lawfully attend upon your fashion of worship, seeing it has been testified against by many precious souls of our kirk, and specially by my worthy father."