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 which he may yet return to gladden your heart."

"Alace, my heart will never be gladdened mair!" said the poor widow, weeping as she spake.

Mrs Mason was moved by her tears, though vexed by her folly; and therefore spoke to her only in the strain of consolation. But Mr Gourlay, incensed at the little gratitude she expressed for her son's deliverance, could not forbear reminding her of the predicament in which he so lately stood, and from which he had been rescued by Providence through the agency of Mrs Mason. In conclusion, he exhorted her to be thankful to God for having given her such a friend.

"The Lord will bless her for what she has done!" cried Mrs MacClarty.

"The Lord has already blessed her," returned the minister; "for a heart filled with benevolence is the first of blessings. But," continued he, "she has it still in