-17 ELIZABETH FRY, quadrangle, and left alone-with the female prisoners ! In vain did the Governor endeavour to dissuade the elegant and refined lady from such a dangerous and extraordinary proceeding ; with a firm and calm manner she persisted in her singular resolve. He advised her not to carry her watch or purse with her. " I thank thee : I am not afraid : I don't think I shall lose anything," she replied, with a smile. Her steady persistence at last prevailed ; and the next moment she was in the midst of the reprobate crowd which was seething and raging within. For an instant, stricken dumb by the beautiful apparition, so tranquil, so angelically pure to their eyes, the women stared at her with silent astonishment ; then recovering their accustomed audacity, they sur- rounded her, clamouring for money. Their wild shrieks and cries so far disconcerted their visitor that for a few seconds she stood undecided. The words she had intended to have spoken fled her memory; and she had barely sufficient presence of mind to open the Testament and read the sublime parable of the Lord of the Vineyard. Her accents, so clear and thrilling-for she was always remarkable for the exquisite beauty of her voice-fell on their ears like oil on troubled waters the uproar gradually subsided, and they listened in wonder. Some wept ; and all were attentive. "Hush ! " cried one forlorn creature, as some slight interruption occurred, "hush ! the angels have lent her their voices ! " 26
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