You will comprehend the height of
this infatuation, when I tell you that, finding all my exertions
vain, I betook myself to exclamations. Surely I was utterly bereft
of understanding.
Now I had arrived at the crisis of my fate. "Oh, hinder not the
door to open," I exclaimed, in a tone that had less of fear than of
grief in it. "I know you well. Come forth, but harm me not. I
beseech you, come forth."
I had taken my hand from the lock and removed to a small distance
from the door. I had scarcely uttered these words, when the door
swung upon its hinges and displayed to my view the interior of the
closet. Whoever was within was shrouded in darkness. A few
seconds passed without interruption of the silence. I knew not
what to expect or to fear. My eyes would not stray from the
recess. Presently, a deep sigh was heard. The quarter from which
it came heightened the eagerness of my gaze. Some one approached
from the farther end. I quickly perceived the outlines of a human
figure. Its steps were irresolute and slow. I recoiled as it
advanced.
By coming at length within the verge of the room, his form was
clearly distinguishable.
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