Page:A New England Tale.djvu/62

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A NEW-ENGLAND TALE.
51

CHAPTER IV.


She, half an angel in her own account,
Doubts not hereafter with the saints to mount
Tho' not a grace appears on strictest search,
But that she fasts, and item, goes to church.

Cowper.

The excellent character of Mary Hull had been spoken of to Mr. Lloyd by his landlady, and he was convinced that she was precisely the person to whom he should be satisfied to commit the superintendence of his family. Accordingly, on the evening of the sale, he sent a messenger to Mrs. Wilson's with the following note:—


"Robert Lloyd, having purchased the place of the late Mr. Elton, would be glad to engage Mary Hull to take charge of his family. Wages, and all other matters, shall be arranged to her satisfaction. He takes the liberty to send by the messenger, for Jane Elton, a work-box, dressing-glass, and a few other small articles, for which he has no use, and which, he hopes, she will do him the favour to retain, on account of the value they must have in her eyes."


Mrs. Wilson had no notion that any right could be prior to hers in her house. She took the note