The robin, the linnet and lark are at rest,
While I carol my evening song

Of praise to the Holy, the holiest One.

How constant his watch and how tender his care,
Of my life, my health and my peace;
How ready to hear Mary's evening prayer,
When she bends at his altar of grace,

To worship the Holy, the holiest one.-

A rap at the street door interrupted Mary's singing, and was followed by the entrance of Mrs. Thompson, the doctress mentioned by Mrs. Worthy, who apologized for coming so late; saying, she had been called upon suddenly to go out to Mount Pleasant, to see Mistress Elderoy's eldest daughter, who had been sadly hurt by a fall; and it was feared she would be a cripple. "I prepared a bath, said she, of strong bitter herbs, and tarried through its operation; after which I applied a large plaster to her hip and back; and it altogether detained me several hours. But, excepting the pain you have suffered to day, I think there is an advantage attending this delay, as it is better to lie in bed a few hours after this kind of plaster is applied; for it will cause a general, though moderate perspiration over your whole frame-powerful is the virtue in this plaster. I had the recipe from

a Swiss florist, arborist, botanist, and saint, if ever Paul was one. He is gone, they tell me, from this world of pain-of course I know where-Heaven is his home; and is just big enough to hold his noble spirit. He gave me a number of valuable recipes, and several written lectures on herbs. He pitied my state of poverty and widowhood, and dear man, he said he honored his Creator's gifts, let them be lodged where they might; and that the gift of healing was of the good Samaritan character. If Jesus saw fit to entrust it in the weaker vessel, it did not offend him; but it was amen, so be it, O Lord. Why he gave me a recipe to make a cough syrup, that has done (with God's blessing upon it) such wonderful cures, that a druggist offered me (privately) two hundred pounds sterling for it— but, Mr. I declare his name is slipped by me, charged me never to sell this gift to any branch of the medical craft, or their agents the apothecaries; if I felt disposed to part with my treasure while I continued to practice, give it, he says, to the world at once, publish it far and wide.

The last time I ever saw the blessed creature, (I shall never forget it) he stopped at my humble door, and called out, "friend Thompson," (I stepped to the wagon in a hurry) here is a small bundle for

you--a small bundle indeed-there was ten pounds of rare herbs-I want the pay said he, smiling-1 want a pint of fresh syrup for my dear wife, who appears to be somewhat consumptive-try to make it, and have it ready against this day week, I will endeavor to call, if-and he paused-if I come to Bath. But should I never call again, try to send it to Mr. Lillie,and do try to get an interest in heaven; and he drove off. -But how I act, said the doctress-to sit an hour with the plaster in my hand, indulging myself in chat. Come, let me help you to go to bed; and then I will warm your poor old back with a good rubbing; and put on the plaster. But I see, there-there, don't hurry-rise slow-now for it-lean on me-we get along right well. I see you have companyfriends from the country, I expect; though the woman's pale check don't say "country air and village fare;" but who may she be, pray; and the little beauty, that went into t'other room with her?

That woman is a poor, rich widow, answered Mrs. Worthy, poor in purse, but rich in faith. The little girl is her only child that's living. They have come to live with me in my old age,

and were recommended by my worthy old friend Phebe Brown. Their name is Armly.

Armly! cried Mrs. Thompson, why dear me, that is the name of my charitable friend, that I have been telling of.-How surprising!-Well, I think, sure enough, she must be consumptive; I should like to talk with her awhile. Old Deborah, Mistress Elderoy's faithful nursery woman, would be delighted to see her she set so much by her husband.

Mrs. Armly and Mary heard all that passed, as a single partition only parted the two bed rooms; and Mary clung to her mother, whispering, dear, dear father!

"A good name is better than precious ointment," said her mother; what I have now heard is like balm to my heart.

Mrs. Thompson called the next day, to inquire how the lame back felt, and to see the strangers. She was endowed with great gifts in discernment and knowledge of consumptive cases; and it pained her benevolent heart, to witness the sure marks of decline upon our gentle widow;-her eye was too bright-her hands too pale and thin ;—she looked, and thought, but said nothing about her fears, till Mrs. Worthy mentioned her friend's first motive

for coming to Bath, even to take in fine washing, &c.-Mrs. Thompson shook her head, saying, don't attempt such a thing-consent to come under my plastering hand for a time. I will do my very best toward patching you up; and gladly too, for the sake of the good man we have lost, your husband I mean.

"Not lost, but gone before," repeated the gentle widow. She then thanked the kind Mrs. Thompson for her benevolent offer; but declined embracing it at present, as she felt better than she did a few weeks before; and must make immediate exertions to earn something for the support of herself and child. Should my cough return, she added, I might think I was really sick; for it is always attended with severe pain in my left side. But I have neither at present, and though not healthy as formerly, I am able to do some work, and hope I shall soon find employ.

A set of plain shirts were sent to Mrs. Armly, the next week; and with Mary's assistance they were accomplished seasonably. The money came, and a piece of sheeting with it; that was no sooner made up, than a second was supplied, and so on, that in six months Mrs. Armly and Mary had gained by persevering industry, fourteen guineas.