oughts. Presently,
passing through a leafy lane leading back to the village, I espied at
some distance in advance of me a couple walking together and apparently
engaged in engrossing conversation. A second glance served to inform me
that one of the pair was Miss Hamm and the other the insufferable
Pomeroy. In a fit of petulance for which I am unable to account, unless
it be due to my displeasure that he should continue to press his
unwelcome attentions upon a young woman so immeasurably his superior, I
dashed my eyeglasses upon the earth, thereby breaking the right lens.
Yet I count the damage as naught, nor do I regret giving way to so
violent an exhibition of temper.

To-night, finding the seclusion of my study dispiriting, I went forth
upon a long and purposeless walk beneath the stars. Through chance I
found myself, at or about eleven o'clock, in the vicinity of Mr. Hector
Hamm's place of residence. Aimlessly lingering here in the shadow of the
trees, I soon espied Pomeroy issuing from the gate of the residence and
making off, whistling gaily as he went. He disappeared in the darkness,
still whistling in a loud and vulgar manner. I could almost wish he
might be choked by his own whistling. As for myself, I never whistle.

In this mood I have returned here to pen these lines. I fear me I shall
sleep but ill the night, for distracting and gloomy thoughts race
through my brain. I feel myself not to be myself. I wonder why?

* * * * *

MAY THE TWENTY-FIFTH.--The odious Pomeroy has betaken himself hence.
Quite by accident I happened to drop into our local hostelry, the Briggs
House, this morning and ascertained by a purely cursory glance at the
register that he had paid his account and departed. I may only add that
I trust he sees his way clear to remaining away indefinitely or, better
still, permanently.

This is Sunday and I shall be engaged with our services. But upon
to-morrow night, when it is my intention to resume my friendly visits to
the Hamm home, I mean to take an important step. For long I have been
cogitating it and my mind is now firmly made up. As yet I have not fully
memorised the language in which I shall frame my request, but I have
convinced myself that our acquaintanceship has now advanced to a point
where the liberty I would take is amply justified. I shall formally ask
Miss Hamm that in our hours of private communion together, if not in
public, she call me Roscoe,