Oh, gracious! what is the matter ?' 'Nothing, nothing--give me a candle.' 'But won't you take some supper ?' 'No; I want to go to bed,' said I, taking a candle and lighting it at the one she held in her hand.
'Oh, Gilbert, how you tremble!' exclaimed my anxious parent.

'How white you look! Do tell me what it is?
Has anything happened ?' 'It's nothing,' cried I, ready to stamp with vexation because the candle would not light.

Then, suppressing my irritation, I added, 'I've been walking too fast, that's all.

Good-night,' and marched off to bed, regardless of the 'Walking too fast! where have you been ?' that was called after me from below.
My mother followed me to the very door of my room with her questionings and advice concerning my health and my conduct; but I implored her to let me alone till morning; and she withdrew, and at length I had the satisfaction to hear her close her own door.

There was no sleep for me, however, that night as I thought; and instead of attempting to solicit it, I employed myself in rapidly pacing the chamber, having first removed my boots, lest my mother should hear me.