The condition of my mind was considerably remote from happiness. I was
placed in a scene that furnished fuel to my curiosity. This passion is a
source of pleasure, provided its gratification be practicable. I had no
reason, in my present circumstances, to despair of knowledge; yet
suspicion and anxiety beset me. I thought upon the delay and toil which
the removal of my ignorance would cost, and reaped only pain and fear
from the reflection.

The air was remarkably sultry. Lifted sashes and lofty ceilings were
insufficient to attemper it. The perturbation of my thoughts affected my
body, and the heat which oppressed me was aggravated, by my
restlessness, almost into fever. Some hours were thus painfully past,
when I recollected that the bath, erected in the court below, contained
a sufficient antidote to the scorching influence of the atmosphere.

I rose, and descended the stairs softly, that I might not alarm Welbeck
and the lady, who occupied the two rooms on the second floor. I
proceeded to the bath, and, filling the reservoir with water, speedily
dissipated the heat that incommoded me. Of all species of sensual
gratification, that was the most delicious; and I continued for a long
time laving my limbs and moistening my hair. In the midst of this
amusement, I noticed the approach of day, and immediately saw the
propriety of returning to my chamber. I returned with the same caution
which I had used in descending; my feet were bare, so that it was easy
to proceed unattended by the smallest signal of my progress.

I had reached the carpeted staircase, and was slowly ascending, when I
heard, within the chamber that was occupied by the lady, a noise, as of
some one moving. Though not conscious of having acted improperly, yet I