pocket from which
already a pocket-book, a telescope, an embroidered carpet, twenty
paces long and ten broad, a pleasure-tent of equal dimensions, and all
the requisite poles and irons, had come forth! If I did not protest to
thee that I saw it myself with my own eyes, thou couldst not possibly
believe it.

Embarrassed and obsequious as the man himself appeared to be, little
as was the attention which had been bestowed upon him, yet to me his
grisly aspect, from which I could not turn my eyes, became so fearful
that I could bear it no longer.

I resolved to steal away from the company, which from the
insignificant part I played in it seemed to me an easy affair. I
proposed to myself to return to the city, to try my luck again on the
morrow with Mr. John, and if I could muster the necessary courage,
to question him about the singular gray man. Had I only had the good
fortune to escape so well!

I had already actually succeeded in stealing through the rosary, and,
in descending the hill, found myself on a piece of lawn, when, fearing
to be encountered in crossing the grass out of the path, I cast an
inquiring glance round me. What was my terror to behold the man in the
gray coat behind me, and making toward me! In the next moment he took
off his hat before me, and bowed so low as no one had ever yet done to
me. There was no doubt but that he wished to address me, and, without
being rude, I could not prevent it. I also took off my hat; bowed
also; and stood there in the sun with bare head as if rooted to the
ground. I stared at him full of terror, and was like a bird which a
serpent has fascinated. He himself appeared very much embarrassed.
He raised not his eyes; again bowed repeatedly; drew nearer, and
addressed me with a soft, tremulous voice, almost in a tone of
supplication.

"May I hope, sir, that you will pardon my boldness in venturing in so
unusual a manner to approach you, but I would ask a favor. Permit me
most condescendingly----"

"But in God's name!" exclaimed I in my trepidation, "what can I do for
a man who--" we both started, and, as I believe, reddened.

After a moment's silence, he again resumed: "During the short time
that I had the happiness to find myself near you, I have, sir,
many times--allow me to say it to you--really contemplated with
inexpressible admiration, the beautiful, beautiful, shadow which, as
it were, with a certain noble disdain, and without yourself remarking
it, you cast f