usive maxims of decorum, raise in the way of human
intercourse. I spurned at these semblances and substitutes of honesty,
and delighted to shake such fetters into air and trample such
impediments to dust. I wanted to see a human being, in order to promote
her happiness. It was doubtful whether she was within twenty paces of
the spot where I stood. The doubt was to be solved. How? By examining
the space. I forthwith proceeded to examine it. I reached the second
story. I approached a door that was closed. I knocked. After a pause, a
soft voice said, "Who is there?"

The accents were as musical as those of Clemenza, but were in other
respects different. I had no topic to discuss with this person. I
answered not, yet hesitated to withdraw. Presently the same voice was
again heard:--"What is it you want? Why don't you answer? Come in!" I
complied with the command, and entered the room.

It was deliberation and foresight that led me hither, and not chance or
caprice. Hence, instead of being disconcerted or vanquished by the
objects that I saw, I was tranquil and firm. My curiosity, however, made
me a vigilant observer. Two females, arrayed with voluptuous negligence,
in a manner adapted to the utmost seclusion, and seated in a careless
attitude on a sofa, were now discovered.

Both darted glances at the door. One, who appeared to be the youngest,
no sooner saw me, than she shrieked, and, starting from her seat,
betrayed in the looks which she successively cast upon me, on herself,
and on the chamber, whose apparatus was in no less confusion than that
of the apartment below, her consciousness of the unseasonableness of
this meeting.

The other shrieked likewise, but in her it seemed to be the token of
surprise rather than that of terror. There was, probably, somewhat in my
aspect and garb that suggested an apology for this intrusion, as arising
from simplicity and mistake. She thought proper, however, to assume the
air of one offended, and, looking sternly,--"How now, fellow," said she,
"what is this? Why come you hither?"

This questioner was of mature age, but had not passed the period of
attractiveness and grace. All the beauty that nature had bestowed was
still retained, but the portion had never been great. What she possessed
was so modelled and embellished by such a carriage and dress as to give
it most power over the senses of the gazer. In proportion, however, as
it was intended and adapted to captivate those who