There has he been twice at my house, while I have been away in the mornings, talking to Sally about the state of her soul and that sort of thing.

But when I found the meat all roasted to a cinder, I said, 'Come, Sally, let's have no more praying when beef is down at the fire.

Pray at six o'clock in the morning and nine at night, and I won't hinder you.' So she sauced me, and said something about Martha and Mary, implying that, because she had let the beef get so overdone that I declare I could hardly find a bit for Nancy Pole's sick grandchild, she had chosen the better part.

I was very much put about, I own, and perhaps you'll be shocked at what I said--indeed, I don't know if it was right myself--but I told her I had a soul as well as she, and if it was to be saved by my sitting still and thinking about salvation and never doing my duty, I thought I had as good a right as she had to be Mary, and save my soul.

So, that afternoon I sat quite still, and it was really a comfort, for I am often too busy, I know, to pray as I ought.