Even now I am quite bewildered; and no wonder, for many thoughts, each of different import, throng upon me.
Independently of the pleasure and natural pride I must feel in being acknowledged by you as a daughter, it is a source of the deepest satisfaction to me to know that I am not, in any way, connected with Elizabeth Device--not from her humble station--for poverty weighs little with me in comparison with virtue and goodness--but from her sinfulness.
You know the dark offence laid to her charge ?" "I do," replied Mistress Nutter, in a low deep tone, "but I do not believe it." "Nor I," returned Alizon.

"Still, she acts as if she were the wicked thing she is called; avoids all religious offices; shuns all places of worship; and derides the Holy Scriptures.

Oh, mother! you will comprehend the frequent conflict of feelings I must have endured.

You will understand my horror when I have sometimes thought myself the daughter of a witch." "Why did you not leave her if you thought so ?" said Mistress Nutter, frowning.
"I could not leave her," replied Alizon, "for I then thought her my mother." Mistress Nutter fell upon her daughter's neck, and wept aloud.

"You have an excellent heart, my child," she said at length, checking her emotion.
"I have nothing to complain of in Elizabeth Device, dear mother," she replied.