I determined, therefore, to steal away from the company, which
appeared no difficult matter, from the undistinguished part I acted
in it. I resolved to return to the town, and pay another visit to
Mr. John the following morning, and, at the same time, make some
inquiries of him relative to the extraordinary man in grey, provided
I could command sufficient courage. Would to Heaven that such good
fortune had awaited me!

I had stolen safely down the hill, through the thicket of roses, and
now found myself on an open plain; but fearing lest I should be met
out of the proper path, crossing the grass, I cast an inquisitive
glance around, and started as I beheld the man in the grey cloak
advancing towards me. He took off his hat, and made me a lower bow
than mortal had ever yet favoured me with. It was evident that he
wished to address me; and I could not avoid encountering him without
seeming rude. I returned his salutation, therefore, and stood
bareheaded in the sunshine as if rooted to the ground. I gazed at
him with the utmost horror, and felt like a bird fascinated by a
serpent.

He affected himself to have an air of embarrassment. With his eyes
on the ground, he bowed several times, drew nearer, and at last,
without looking up, addressed me in a low and hesitating voice,
almost in the tone of a suppliant: "Will you, sir, excuse my
importunity in venturing to intrude upon you in so unusual a manner?
I have a request to make--would you most graciously be pleased to
allow me--!" "Hold! for Heaven's sake!" I exclaimed; "what can I do
for a man who"--I stopped in some confusion, which he seemed to
share. After a moment's pause, he resumed: "During the short time