no difficult matter, from the undistinguished part I acted in it. I
resolved to return to the town, and pay another visit to Mr. John the
following morning, and, at the same time, make some inquiries of him
relative to the extraordinary man in gray, provided I could command
sufficient courage. Would to Heaven that such good fortune had awaited
me!

I had stolen safely down the hill, through the thicket of roses, and now
found myself on an open plain; but fearing lest I should be met out of
the proper path, crossing the grass, I cast an inquisitive glance
around, and started as I beheld the man in the gray cloak advancing
towards me. He took off his hat, and made me a lower bow than mortal had
ever yet favored me with. It was evident that he wished to address me;
and I could not avoid encountering him without seeming rude. I returned
his salutation, therefore, and stood bareheaded in the sunshine as if
rooted to the ground. I gazed at him with the utmost horror, and felt
like a bird fascinated by a serpent.

He affected himself to have an air of embarassment. With his eyes on the
ground, he bowed several times, drew nearer, and at last, without
looking up, addressed me in a low and hesitating voice, almost in the
tone of a suppliant: "Will you, sir, excuse my importunity in venturing
to intrude upon you in so unusual a manner? I have a request to
make--would you most graciously be pleased to allow me--?" "Hold! for
Heaven's sake!" I exclaimed; "what can I do for a man who--" I stopped
in some confusion, which he seemed to share. After a moment's pause he
resumed: "During the short time I have had the pleasure to be in your
company, I have--permit me, sir, to say--beheld with unspeakable
admiration your most beautiful shadow, and remarked the air of noble
indifference with which you, at the same time, turn from the glorious