zaar of dangerous and smiling chances, the pavement of the city.
It was already late at night, and the weather being wet and windy, there
were few abroad besides policemen. These, on my present mission, I had
wit enough to know for enemies; and wherever I perceived their moving
lanterns, I made haste to turn aside and choose another thoroughfare. A
few miserable women still walked the pavement; here and there were young
fellows returning drunk, or ruffians of the lowest class lurking in the
mouths of alleys; but of any one to whom I might appeal in my distress,
I began almost to despair.

At last, at the corner of a street, I ran into the arms of one who was
evidently a gentleman, and who, in all his appointments, from his furred
greatcoat to the fine cigar which he was smoking, comfortably breathed
of wealth. Much as my face has changed from its original beauty, I still
retain (or so I tell myself) some traces of the youthful lightness of my
figure. Even veiled as I then was, I could perceive the gentleman was
struck by my appearance; and this emboldened me for my adventure.

"Sir," said I, with a quickly beating heart, "sir, are you one in whom a
lady can confide?"

"Why, my dear," said he, removing his cigar, "that depends on
circumstances. If you will raise your veil--"

"Sir," I interrupted, "let there be no mistake. I ask you, as a
gentleman, to serve me, but I offer no reward."

"That is frank," said he; "but hardly tempting. And what, may I inquire,
is the nature of the service?"

But I knew well enough it was not my interest to tell him on so short an
interview. "If you will accompany me," said I, "to a house not far from
here, you can see for yourself."

He looked at me awhile with hesitating eyes; and then, tossing away his
cigar, which was not yet a quarter smoked, "Here goes!" said he, and
with perfect politeness offered me his arm. I was wise enough to take
it; to prolong our walk as far as possible, by more than one excursion
from the shortest line; and to beguile the way with that sort of
conversation which should prove to him indubitably from what station in
society I sprang. By the time we reached the door of my lodging, I felt
sure I had confirmed his interest, and might venture, before I turned
the pass-key, to beseech him to moderate his voice and to tread softly.
He promised to obey me; and I admitted him into the passage, and thence
into my sitting-room, which was fortunately next the door.