I falling in love with her? I shall be guilty of no such folly. I think
that my pride and self-respect will keep me rational. Pshaw! why did I
dream of such nonsense!


V.


So--a month has passed.

My coat, it seems, is to be the constant topic of attention.

A day or two since, I was sitting in my chamber, reflecting upon a
variety of things. My thoughts, at last, centred on the deficiencies of my
wardrobe, and I muttered, "I must certainly have my coat mended soon;" and
I looked down, sighing, at the hole in my elbow.... It had disappeared!
There was no longer any rent. The torn cloth had been mended in the
neatest manner; so neatly, indeed, that the orifice was almost invisible.
Who could have done it, and how? I have one coat only, and--yes! it must
have been! I saw, in a moment, the whole secret: that noise, and the voice
of Sarah, the old chambermaid.

I rose and went out on the staircase; I met the good crone.

"How did you find my coat in the dark?" I said, smiling; "and now you must
let me make you a present for mending it, Sarah."

Sarah hesitated, plainly; but honesty conquered. She refused the money,
which, nevertheless, I gave her; and, from her careless replies, I soon
discovered the real truth.