Page:Life and transactions of Jane Shore, concubine to King Edward IVth.pdf/19

19 he had done, he felt at a loss how to proceed. He had got a woman of doubtful character on his hands, and he did not know how to dispose of her. His own character was at stake, and partly committed already.

In this dilemma, he went to take the advice of his Minister, one of the gentlemen of the Methodist connection. From him be learned, what he did not know before; that there was an Asylum in the city provided for the reception of young females who had been led astray, and who were willing to return to the paths of virtue. He resolved at once that he would take Elizabeth to this house of mercy.

She came to his mother's house at the hour appointed. He conducted her to the Magdalene Asylum; but he found that before she could be admitted, it was necessary to apply to one of the managers.

When the commitee met; she appeared before them, and told her story with as much delicacy as the case would admit. She spoke with the utmost gratitude of the kindness of the person who had brought her there, and had rescued her from misery and ruin. When asked if she had gone to the street after he had spoken to her? she replied with an emotion that showed she was hurt by the suspicion. 'No: he made me promise not to do so, and I would not break my word.'

She was without hesitation, received as a permanent inmate; and she behaved in a most exemplary manner. Her conduct was uniformly humble and penitential. The writer of this had occasion oftener than once to address her along