was not, however, shown up into the first floor, but into the room
below.

"Miss Judd will come directly, sir," said a tall, meagre,
puritanical-looking maid, shutting the door upon me. In a few minutes,
during which my pulse beat quick (for I could not but expect some
disclosure; whether it was to be one of love or murder, I hardly knew
which), Miss Aramathea Judd, for such was her christian name, made her
appearance, and sitting down on the sofa, requested me to take a seat by
her.

"Mr Newland," said she, "I wish to--and I think I can entrust you with a
secret most important to me. Why I am obliged to do it, you will
perfectly comprehend when you have heard my story. Tell me, are you
attached to me?"

This was a home question to a forward lad of sixteen. I took her by the
hand, and when I looked down on it, I felt as if I was. I looked up into
her face, and felt that I was not. And, as I now was close to her, I
perceived that she must have some aromatic drug in her mouth, as it
smelt strongly--this gave me the supposition that the breath which drew
such melodious tones, was not equally sweet, and I felt a certain
increased degree of disgust.

"I am very grateful, Miss Judd," replied I; "I hope I shall prove that I
am attached when you confide in me."

"Swear then, by all that's sacred, you will not reveal what I do
confide."