of minutes produces a reaction and a different purpose.
Certainly, at least, he wheeled about for a third time, and did not
stop until he had found a place of concealment within a few yards of the
appointed place.

Here he went through an agony of spirit, in which he several times
prayed to God for help, for Silas had been devoutly educated. He had now
not the least inclination for the meeting; nothing kept him from flight
but a silly fear lest he should be thought unmanly; but this was so
powerful that it kept head against all other motives; and although it
could not decide him to advance, prevented him from definitely running
away. At last the clock indicated ten minutes past the hour. Young
Scuddamore's spirit began to rise; he peered round the corner and saw no
one at the place of meeting; doubtless his unknown correspondent had
wearied and gone away. He became as bold as he had formerly been timid.
It seemed to him that if he came at all to the appointment, however
late, he was clear from the charge of cowardice. Nay, now he began to
suspect a hoax, and actually complimented himself on his shrewdness in
having suspected and out-manoeuvred his mystifiers. So very idle a
thing is a boy's mind!

Armed with these reflections, he advanced boldly from his corner; but he
had not taken above a couple of steps before a hand was laid upon his
arm. He turned and beheld a lady cast in a very large mould and with
somewhat stately features, but bearing no mark of severity in her looks.

"I see that you are a very self-confident lady-killer," said she; "for
you make yourself expected. But I was determined to meet you. When a
woman has once so far forgotten herself as to make the first advance,
she has long ago left behind her all considerations of petty pride."

Silas was overwhelmed by the size and attractions of his correspondent
and the suddenness with which she had fallen upon him. But she soon set
him at his ease. She was very towardly and lenient in her behaviour; she
led him on to make pleasantries, and then applauded him to the echo; and
in a very short time, between blandishments and a liberal exhibition of
warm brandy, she had not only induced him to fancy himself in love, but
to declare his passion with the greatest vehemence.

"Alas!" she said; "I do not know whether I ought not to deplore this
moment, great as is the pleasure you give me by your words. Hitherto I
was alone to suffer; now, poor boy, there will be