no means of concealment or
escape. The person would some time awaken and detect me. The interval
would only be fraught with agony, and it was wise to shorten it. Should
I not withdraw the curtain, awake the person, and encounter at once all
the consequences of my situation? I glided softly to the bed, when the
thought occurred, May not the sleeper be a female?

I cannot describe the mixture of dread and of shame which glowed in my
veins. The light in which such a visitant would be probably regarded by
a woman's fears, the precipitate alarms that might be given, the injury
which I might unknowingly inflict or undeservedly suffer, threw my
thoughts into painful confusion. My presence might pollute a spotless
reputation, or furnish fuel to jealousy.

Still, though it were a female, would not less injury be done by gently
interrupting her slumber? But the question of sex still remained to be
decided. For this end I once more approached the bed, and drew aside the
silk. The sleeper was a babe. This I discovered by the glimmer of a
street-lamp.

Part of my solicitudes were now removed. It was plain that this chamber
belonged to a nurse or a mother. She had not yet come to bed. Perhaps it
was a married pair, and their approach might be momently expected. I
pictured to myself their entrance and my own detection. I could imagine
no consequence that was not disastrous and horrible, and from which I
would not at any price escape. I again examined the door, and found that
exit by this avenue was impossible. There were other doors in this room.
Any practicable expedient in this extremity was to be pursued. One of
these was bolted. I unfastened it and found a considerable space within.
Should I immure myself in this closet? I saw no benefit that would
finally result from it. I discovered that there was a bolt on the
inside, which would somewhat contribute to security. This being drawn,
no one could enter without breaking the door.

I had scarcely paused, when the long-expected sound of footsteps was
heard in the entry. Was it my companion, or a stranger? If it were the
latter, I had not yet mustered courage sufficient to meet him. I cannot
applaud the magnanimity of my proceeding; but no one can expect intrepid
or judicious measures from one in my circumstances. I stepped into the
closet, and closed the door. Some one immediately after unlocked the
chamber door. He was unattended with a light. The footsteps, as they
moved along t