ss. The circumstances of my own condition took away
the improbability from this belief. Why might not another be induced
like me to hide himself in this desolate retreat? Might not a servant,
left to take care of the house, a measure usually adopted by the opulent
at this time, be seized by the reigning malady? Incapacitated for
exertion, or fearing to be dragged to the hospital, he has shut himself
in this apartment. The robber, it may be, who came to pillage, was
overtaken and detained by disease. In either case, detection or
intrusion would be hateful, and would be assiduously eluded.

These thoughts had no tendency to weaken or divert my efforts to obtain
access to this room. The person was a brother in calamity, whom it was
my duty to succour and cherish to the utmost of my power. Once more I
spoke:--

"Who is within? I beseech you answer me. Whatever you be, I desire to do
you good and not injury. Open the door and let me know your condition. I
will try to be of use to you."

I was answered by a deep groan, and by a sob counteracted and devoured
as it were by a mighty effort. This token of distress thrilled to my
heart. My terrors wholly disappeared, and gave place to unlimited
compassion. I again entreated to be admitted, promising all the succour
or consolation which my situation allowed me to afford.

Answers were made in tones of anger and impatience, blended with those
of grief:--"I want no succour; vex me not with your entreaties and
offers. Fly from this spot; linger not a moment, lest you participate my
destiny and rush upon your death."

These I considered merely as the effusions of delirium, or the dictates
of despair. The style and articulation denoted the speaker to be
superior to the class of servants. Hence my anxiety to see and to aid
him was increased. My remonstrances were sternly and pertinaciously
repelled. For a time, incoherent and impassioned exclamations flowed
from him. At length, I was only permitted to hear strong aspirations and
sobs, more eloquent and more indicative of grief than any language.

This deportment filled me with no less wonder than commiseration. By
what views this person was led hither, by what motives induced to deny
himself to my entreaties, was wholly incomprehensible. Again, though
hopeless of success, I repeated my request to be admitted.

My perseverance seemed now to have exhausted all his patience, and he
exclaimed, in a voice of thunder, "Arthur Mervyn! Be