“You are now in Vermont State,” said she, “but come in child, you look sad and weary.”  I at once accepted her offer, and when she asked how far I was traveling, and how I came to be out so late, I did not hesitate to reveal to her my secret, for I was sure she could be trusted.  She invited me to spend the remainder of the night, and gave me some refreshment.  She was nursing a sick woman, which accounted for her being up so late, but did not prevent her from attending to all my wants, and making me as comfortable as possible.  When she saw that my feet were wounded, badly swollen, and covered with blood and dirt, she procured warm water, and with her own hands bathed, and made them clean, with the best toilet soap.  She expressed great sympathy for the sad condition my feet were in, and asked if I had no shoes?  I told her that my shoes were made of cloth, and soon wore out; that what was left of them, I lost in the mud, when traveling through the woods in the dark.  She then procured a pair of nice woollen stockings, and a pair of new shoes, some under clothes, and a good flannel skirt, which she begged me to wear for her sake.  I accepted them gratefully, but the shoes I could not wear, my feet were so sore.  She said I could take them with me, and she gave me a pair of Indian moccasins to wear till my feet were healed.  Angel of mercy that she was; may God’s blessing rest upon her for her kindness to the friendless wanderer.

The next morning the good lady urged me to stay with her, at least, for a time, and said I should be welcome to a home there for the rest of my life.  Grateful as I was for her offer, I was forced to decline it, for I knew that I could not remain so near Montreal in safety.  She said the “select men” of the town would protect me, if they were made acquainted with my peculiar situation.  Dear lady! she little knew the character of a Romish priest!  Her guileless heart did not suspect the cunning artifice by which they accomplish whatever they undertake.  And those worthy “select men,” I imagine, were not much better informed than herself.  Sure I am, that any protection they could offer me, would not, in the least degree, shield me from the secret intrigue, the affectionate, maternal embrace of holy Mother Church.

When she found that, notwithstanding all her offers, I was resolved to go, she put into a basket, a change of clothing, the shoes she had given me, and a good supply of food which she gave me for future use.  But the most acceptable part of her present was a sun-bonnet; for thus far I had nothing on my head but the cap I wore in the convent.  She gave me some money, and bade me go to Swanton, and there, she said, I could take the cars.  I accordingly bade her farewell, and, basket in hand, directed my steps toward the depot some seven miles distant, as I was informed; but I thought it a long seven miles, as I passed over it with my sore feet, the blood starting at every step.

On my arrival at the depot, a man came to me, and asked where I wished to go.  I told him I wished to go as far into the State as my money would carry me.  He procured me a ticket, and said it would take me to St. Albans.  He asked me where I came from, but I begged to be excused from answering questions.  He then conducted me to the ladies room, and left me, saying the cars would be along in about an hour.