OCTOBER 24TH.--Thank heaven, I am free and safe at last.
Early we rose, swiftly and quietly dressed, slowly and
stealthily descended to the hall, where Benson stood ready
with a light, to open the door and fasten it after us. We
were obliged to let one man into our secret on account of
the boxes, &c. All the servants were but too well acquainted
with their master's conduct, and either Benson or John
would have been willing to serve me; but as the former was
more staid and elderly, and a crony of Rachel's besides, I of
course directed her to make choice of him as her assistant
and confidant on the occasion, as far as necessity demanded.
I only hope he may not be brought into trouble thereby, and
only wish I could reward him for the perilous service he was
so ready to undertake. I slipped two guineas into his hand,
by way of remembrance, as he stood in the doorway, hold-
ing the candle to light our departure, with a tear in his
honest grey eye, and a host of good wishes depicted on his
solemn countenance. Alas! I could offer no more: I had
barely sufficient remaining for the probable expenses of the
journey.

What trembling joy it was when the little wicket closed
behind us, as we issued from the park! Then, for one
moment, I paused, to inhale one draught of that cool, bracing
air, and venture one look back upon the house. All was
dark and still: no light glimmered in the windows, no
wreath of smoke obscured the stars that sparkled above it in
the frosty sky. As I bade farewell for ever to that place,
the scene of so much guilt and misery, I felt glad that I had
not left it before, for now there was no doubt about the

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