176 



for the liberty which they offered ; but at last, 

 after much explanation and entreaty, Mr. P. per- 

 suaded the government to let her return to our 

 quarters. When she appeared, I knew her, and 

 tenderly embraced her ; I also knew my affec- 

 tionate husband, who had so long been my only 

 nurse. This momentary return of reason was 

 of short duration ; it was followed by a fresh 

 access of fever, and all hope of my recovery 

 seemed now to have vanished. 



A favourable crisis, however, came. I awoke 

 to restored consciousness ; and the first sounds 

 that I heard were from my husband, at my bed- 

 side, uttering his pious gratitude to heaven, in a 

 low voice. I scarcely knew the cause of his 

 emotion ; but afterwards, w r hen I witnessed his 

 daily and fervent thanksgivings, and became sen- 

 sible of the cloud which had darkened my under- 

 standing, I felt my heart more truly and more 

 deeply touched by religion, than it had ever been, 

 even in the period of my highest enthusiasm. I 

 may, indeed, say, that*' The Lord put anew song 

 into my mouth, even a thanksgiving;" and I 

 sincerely prayed that God would permit me to 

 repent of my sins and follies, and that he would 

 turn my whole heart to gratitude and humility. 



My trials, however, were not yet over. Every 

 day, indeed, made me more and more conscious 

 of my former errors ; and every day I felt more 

 penitent ; but I was now to act, Anxiety, want 



