This spectacle exercised a strange power over my feelings. While
occupied in meditating on the features of the mother, I was unaware of
my conspicuous situation. The black girl, having occasion to change her
situation, in order to reach the ball which was thrown at her, unluckily
caught a glance of my figure through the glass. In a tone of half
surprise and half terror, she cried out, "Oh! see dare! a man!"

I was tempted to draw suddenly back, but a second thought showed me the
impropriety of departing thus abruptly and leaving behind me some alarm.
I felt a sort of necessity for apologizing for my intrusion into these
precincts, and hastened to a door that led into the same apartment. I
knocked. A voice somewhat confused bade me enter. It was not till I
opened the door and entered the room, that I fully saw in what
embarrassments I had incautiously involved myself.

I could scarcely obtain sufficient courage to speak, and gave a confused
assent to the question, "Have you business with me, sir?" She offered me
a chair, and I sat down. She put the child, not yet awakened, into the
arms of the black, who kissed it and rocked it in her arms with great
satisfaction, and, resuming her seat, looked at me with inquisitiveness
mingled with complacency.

After a moment's pause, I said, "I was directed to this house as the
abode of Mr. Ephraim Williams. Can he be seen, madam?"

"He is not in town at present. If you will leave a message with me, I
will punctually deliver it."

The thought suddenly occurred, whether any more was needful than merely
to leave the bills suitably enclosed, as they already were, in a packet.
Thus all painful explanations might be avoided, and I might have reason
to congratulate myself on his seasonable absence. Actuated by these
thoughts, I drew forth the packet, and put it into her hand, saying, "I
will leave this in your possession, and must earnestly request you to
keep it safe until you can deliver it into his own hands."

Scarcely had I said this before new suggestions occurred. Was it right
to act in this clandestine and mysterious manner? Should I leave these
persons in uncertainty respecting the fate of a husband and a brother?
What perplexities, misunderstandings, and suspenses might not grow out
of this uncertainty? and ought they not to be precluded at any hazard to
my own safety or good name?

These sentiments made me involuntarily stretch forth my hand to retake
the packet. This g