Page:Magdalen, or, The history of a reform'd prostitute.pdf/6

 not been for an accident, which happened, last night; and which determined me in my purpose: as I was led to hope, that, perhaps this notice in your paper, may be seen by some unfortunate girls, who may be curious to read a letter from one, unhappy enough to have been of their number: though, thank God, by miracle almost, rescued and saved. And great need there is for thanks. For as I was about to tell you, Sir; last night, as I was going cross our square on an errand for my mistress, a poor creature, in a sad hollow tone, begged me, for Christ's sake, to give her a bit of bread. I turned to look at her, and she was almost naked, with a tattered blanket thrown over her, and an old handkerchief tied about her head; she asked very pressingly, for a piece of bread, only a crust, any thing to relieve her hunger. I thought, I knew something of the voice: and taking her to the next lamp—Blessed father, can I ever enough express my horror and surprize! I was ready to drop down! For it was Nancy ***! who came into the Magdalen sometime after me: but her sad temper would not permit her to stay there: so that the gentlemen, after having long waited her better behaviour in vain, (for nothing can be imagined more tender and careful than they are, more slow to punish, more desirous to continue us) were forced to dismiss her! and