Utterly at loss to account going into Pleyel's chamber, I waited in instant expectation of hearing him come forth All, however, was profoundly still I listened in vain for considerable period to catch the sound door when it should again be opened no other avenue escape, but door which led girl's chamber Would any evil quarter befall the girl ?

Hence arose new train of apprehensions They merely added turbulence and agony reflections Whatever evil impended over her, I had no power to avert it Seclusion and silence were the only means of saving myself perils fatal night What solemn vows did I put up, that, if once more behold the light of day, never trust myself again threshold dwelling !

Minute lingered after minute, but no token was given that Carwin had returned passage What, I again asked, could detain him room ? possible that he had returned, and glided unperceived away ? speedily aware difficulty that attended an enterprise like this; and yet, means I were capable of gaining any information head, I cast anxious looks window

The object that first attracted my attention was human figure standing edge bank Perhaps my penetration was assisted by my hopes Be that , the figure of Carwin was clearly distinguishable obscurity station, impossible that discerned by him; and yet he scarcely suffered me to catch glimpse of him He turned and went down the steep, which part was not difficult scaled

My conjecture, then, right Carwin has softly opened the door, descended the stairs, and issued forth That I have overheard his steps was only less incredible than that my eyes had deceived me But now ? The house was delivered detested inmate By one avenue might he again reenter not wise to bar the lower door ? Perhaps he had gone out kitchen door end, passed through Judith's chamber These entrances being closed and bolted, as great security was gained as was compatible with my lonely condition

The propriety measures was too manifest not me struggle successfully with my fears Yet I opened my own door utmost caution, and descended I were afraid that Carwin still immured in Pleyel's chamber The outer door was ajar I shut it with trembling eagerness, and drew every bolt that appended I then passed with light and less cautious steps parlor, but was surprised to discover kitchen door was secure compelled to acquiesce first conjecture that Carwin had escaped entry

My heart was now somewhat eased load of apprehension I returned once more to my chamber, the door careful to lock no time of repose The moonlight began already to fade light day The approach of morning was betokened usual signals I mused events night, and determined up my abode henceforth at my brother's Whether inform him of what had happened was question which seemed to demand some consideration My safety unquestionably required that abandon my present habitation

As my thoughts began to flow with fewer impediments, the image of Pleyel, dubiousness condition, again recurred I again ran over the possible causes absence preceding day My mind was attuned to melancholy I dwelt, with an obstinacy account, idea death I painted to myself his struggles billows, last appearance I imagined myself midnight wanderer shore, and stumbled corpse, which the tide had cast up These dreary images affected me even to tears I endeavored not to restrain them They imparted relief which I anticipated The more copiously they flowed, the more did my general sensations appear to subside into calm, and certain restlessness give way to repose

Perhaps, relieved effusion, the slumber wanted stolen on my senses, had there been no new cause of alarm

VI

aroused stupor by sounds that evidently arose next chamber possible that I mistaken figure which I had seen bank ? or had Carwin, by some inscrutable means, penetrated once more chamber ? The opposite door opened; footsteps came forth, person, advancing to mine, knocked

So unexpected an incident robbed me of all presence of mind, and, starting up, I involuntarily exclaimed, "Who ? " An answer was immediately given The voice, to my inexpressible astonishment, was Pleyel's

" I risen ? If , make haste; three minutes' conversation parlor wait there " Saying this, he retired door

Should I confide testimony ears ? were true, Pleyel that hitherto immured opposite chamber; he whom my rueful fancy had depicted in ruinous and ghastly shapes; he whose footsteps listened to inquietude ! man, that knowledge is so sparingly conferred upon him ! that his heart wrung with distress, frame be exanimated with fear, though his safety be encompassed with impregnable walls ! the bounds of human imbecility ! He that warned me presence foe refused the intimation racking fears precluded

Yet imagined the arrival of Pleyel at such an hour ? His tone was desponding and anxious Why this unseasonable summons ? and why this hasty departure ? Some tidings he, perhaps, bears of mysterious and unwelcome import

My impatience allow me to consume much time in deliberation; I hastened down Pleyel standing at window, with eyes cast down as in meditation, and arms folded breast Every line countenance was pregnant with sorrow To added certain wanness and air of fatigue The last time I had seen him appearances the reverse startled change The first impulse was to question him cause This impulse was supplanted by some degree of confusion, flowing from consciousness that love had too large, and, as it might prove, perceptible, share in creating this impulse silent

Presently be raised his eyes and fixed them upon me an anguish altogether ineffable Never had I witnessed like demeanor in Pleyel Never, indeed, had I observed human countenance grief was more legibly inscribed struggling for utterance; but, his struggles being fruitless, he shook his head and turned away from me

My impatience allow me longer silent "What," said I, "for heaven's sake, my friend,-- the matter ? "

He started sound voice His looks, for moment, became convulsed with an emotion very different from grief His accents were broken with rage:--

"The matter ! O wretch ! --thus exquisitely fashioned,--on whom nature seemed exhausted all her graces; with charms so awful and so pure ! how art thou fallen ! From what height fallen ! ruin so complete,--so unheard of ! "

His words were again choked by emotion Grief and pity were again mingled features He resumed, in tone half suffocated by sobs:--

"But why should I upbraid thee ? Could I restore to thee what thou hast lost, efface this cursed stain, snatch thee jaws fiend, Yet avail my efforts ? arms to contend with so consummate, so frightful depravity

"Evidence only have excited resentment and scorn The wretch breathed suspicion injurious to thy honor regarded without anger: not hatred or envy prompted him; it would merely be an argument of madness That my eyes, that my ears, should bear witness to thy fall ! By no other way could detestable conviction be imparted

"Why do I summon thee conference ? Why expose myself to thy derision ? Here admonition and entreaty are vain Thou knowest him already for murderer and thief the first to disclose to thee his infamy; warned thee pit thou art hastening; but thy eyes are open in vain Oh, foul and insupportable disgrace !

" but one path disappear together In thy ruin, how will the felicity and honor of multitudes be involved ! But it must come This scene blotted by his presence thou wilt shortly see thy detested paramour This scene again polluted by midnight assignation Inform him dangers; tell him that his crimes are known; let him fly far and instantly spot, if he desires to avoid the fate which menaced him in Ireland