40 anecdote of the Buh ofBeJford, Jati. 4. 



into tears, and absolutely refused to meddle with them,. 

 "' they are no longer my husband's, says she, and if I 

 drive them home, I fhall be looked upon as a thief, and 

 for aught I know may be hanged for it." Forcibly 

 struck with the justnefs of het reasoning, and the ho- 

 nest simplicity of her language, he gave her some mo- 

 ney, told her that he heartily pitied her, and would take 

 the liberty to recommend her and her family to the Duke 

 of Bedford, whom he knew to be a good-natured sort 

 of man, and he hoped he would do something valuable 

 for her. Accordingly he desired her to call next day, at 

 Wooburn-Abbey for John Rufsel, and he would intro- 

 duce her to the Duke, and speak to him in her behalf. 

 The good woman having returned him many thanks, 

 2nd promising to meet him at the time and place apoint- 

 cd, they parted. Next day, drefsedin her best cloathes 

 she went to the Abbey, and asked for John Rufsel. She 

 was led into a room and told that Mr Rufsel would be 

 with her immediately. She had not waited long when 

 several gentlemen richly drefs'd entered, the room. 

 She knew at first sight the features of him who had con- 

 versed with her the day before, and, strongly iraprcfsed 

 v/ith the idea of his being the Duke himself, was ready 

 to faint with fear and surprise ; but his Grace walked 

 up to her with a look of condescension and goodnefs 

 w hich reanimated her drooping spirits, while he afsured 

 her th?t she had no cause to be aitiicted, but might keep 

 herself perfectly easy. Then he instantly called his 

 steward, ordered him to write her a receipt in full, and to 

 see every thing returned that had been taken from her 

 husband. He put the receipt into her hand, and told 

 her that he had inquired into her husbands character, 

 and heard he was a very honest man, and had been long 

 Ills tenant. And having given her thirty guineas desij^- 

 ,ed her to go home and rejoice wuia her family. 



