Are you afraid to intrust it to me ?" she demanded somewhat hastily, observing that I hesitated.

"Excuse me," said I, "but it is all I have to depend upon in the world; I am chiefly apprehensive that it will not be read." "On that point I can reassure you," said the good lady, smiling, and there was now something sweet in her smile.

"I give you my word that it shall be read; come again to-morrow morning at eleven, when, if not approved, it shall be returned to you." I returned to my lodging, and forthwith betook myself to bed, notwithstanding the earliness of the hour.

I felt tolerably tranquil; I had now cast my last stake, and was prepared to abide by the result.
Whatever that result might be, I could have nothing to reproach myself with; I had strained all the energies which nature had given me in order to rescue myself from the difficulties which surrounded me.

I presently sank into a sleep, which endured during the remainder of the day, and the whole of the succeeding night.