The nearer I approached the crisis, the more did my confidence decay.

When the chaise stopped at the door, my strength refused to support me, and I threw myself into the arms of an ancient female domestic.

I had not courage to inquire whether her master was at home.

I was tormented with fears that the projected journey was already undertaken.

These fears were removed, by her asking me whether she should call her young master, who had just gone into his own room.