S. It must indeed be a painful situation, and how deplorable such a union.
N. While I was thinking about her, I saw you by the willows with a young woman in a foreign dress, and an infant in her arms, it at once struck me that she must be the poor woman of whom I was thinking, for my friend, among other things, spoke of the dress she usually wore; and as we were walking along, I heard her say to herself, ‘If I stop here, will not he find me?’ I then felt sure that I was right in my conjecture.
S. Poor thing! it is that makes her so thoughtful. I recollect when I spoke to her, she said she had been all day travelling among the mountains.
N. I am sure it is her, and I hope the Lord has brought her here for some good.
S. O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! I will tell my wife what has happened, and we will come in the morning and see what can be done for the young woman. Good night; may the peace of God be with you!
In the morning Samuel and his wife came to Nanny’s cottage, and found her sitting before the door with the stranger, and suckling her child.
N. It is, as I supposed, it is Rebecca, my friend’s sister-in-law. Samuel’s wife spoke kindly to the young woman, and after a short conversation led her aside.
S. My wife is going to speak seriously to her. We do not think she has acted quite as the word of God directs.
N. Neighbour Samuel, remember the bad character and ill behaviour of her husband.
S. Do you not recollect I told you the other day that the faults of others did not excuse us for neglecting our own duty.