The fact is, that the number of women to whom this vocation is given will always be comparatively few:  they are, and generally will be, exceptions; and the majority of the religious world, ancient and modern, has decided that these exceptions are to be treated with reverence.

The next morning, as we were sitting down to breakfast, our friends of the other house sent in to me a plate of the largest, finest strawberries I have ever seen, which, considering that it was only the latter part of April, seemed to me quite an astonishing luxury.

On the morning before we left we had agreed to meet a circle of friends from Birmingham, consisting of the Abolition Society there, which is of long standing, extending back in its memories to the very commencement of the agitation under Clarkson and Wilberforce.  It was a pleasant morning, the 1st of May.  The windows of the parlor were opened to the ground; and the company invited filled not only the room, but stood in a crowd on the grass around the window.  Among the peaceable company present was an admiral in the navy, a fine, cheerful old gentleman, who entered with hearty interest into the scene.

The lady secretary of the society read a neatly-written address, full of kind feeling and Christian sentiment.  Joseph Sturge made a few sensible and practical remarks on the present aspects of the antislavery cause in the world, and the most practical mode of assisting it among English Christians.  He dwelt particularly on the encouragement of free labor.  The Rev. John Angell James followed with some extremely kind and interesting remarks, and Mr. S. replied.  As we were intending to return to this city to make a longer visit, we felt that this interview was but a glimpse of friends whom we hoped to know more perfectly hereafter.

A throng of friends accompanied us to the depot.  We had the pleasure of the company of Elihu Burritt, and enjoyed a delightful run to London, where we arrived towards evening.

LETTER XIII.

DEAR SISTER:—­

At the station house in London, we found Rev. Messrs. Binney and Sherman waiting for us with carriages.  C. went with Mr. Sherman, and Mr. S. and I soon found ourselves in a charming retreat called Rose Cottage, in Walworth, about which I will tell you more anon.  Mrs. B. received us with every attention which the most thoughtful hospitality could suggest.

S. and W., who had gone on before us, and taken lodgings very near, were there waiting to receive us.  One of the first things S. said to me, after we got into our room, was, “O, H——­, we are so glad you have come, for we are all going to the lord mayor’s dinner to night, and you are invited.”

“What!” said I, “the lord mayor of London, that I used to read about in Whittington and his Cat?” And immediately there came to my ears the sound of the old chime, which made so powerful an impression on my childish memory, wherein all the bells of London were represented as tolling.