down; and they asked one another of their rest, and if it was comfortable or not.
Mer. "Very good," said Mercy; "it was one of the best nights' lodging that ever I had in my life."
Then said Prudence and Piety, "If you will be persuaded to stay here a while, you shall have what the house will afford."
Char. "Ay, and that with a very good will," said Charity.
So they consented, and stayed there about a month, or above, and became very profitable one to another.
Now, by that these pilgrims had been at this place a week, Mercy had a visitor that pretended some good-will unto her; and his name was Mr. Brisk; a man of some breeding, and that pretended to religion, but a man that stuck very close to the world. So he came once or twice, or more, to Mercy, and offered love unto her. Now, Mercy was a fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring.
Her mind also was, to be always busying of herself in doing; for, when she had nothing to do for herself, she would be making of hose and garments for others, and would bestow them upon them that had need. And Mr. Brisk, not knowing where or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to be greatly taken, for that he found her never idle. "I will warrant her a good housewife," quoth he to himself.
