Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/121

Rh hole, called a chimney, and did not much enliven the dwelling. I mentioned my accident to account for my intruſion, and requeſted the harper again to touch the inſtrument that had attracted me. A partition of twigs and dried leaves divided this apartment from another, in which I perceived a light: I enquired about it, and the woman, in an artleſs manner, informed me, that ſhe had let it to a young gentlewoman lately married, who was related to a very good family, and would not lodge any where, or with any body. This intelligence made me ſmile, to think that family pride ſhould be a ſolace in ſuch extreme poverty.

I ſat there ſome time, and then the harper accompanied me to ſee whether the carriage was repaired; I found it waiting for me; and as the inn I was to ſleep at was only about two miles further, the harper offered to come and play to me whilſt I was eating my ſupper. This was juſt what I wiſhed for; his appearance had rouſed my compaſſion as well as my curioſity, and I took him and his harp in the chaiſe. Rh