I endeavored
not to restrain them. They imparted a relief which I had not
anticipated. The more copiously they flowed, the more did my
general sensations appear to subside into calm, and a certain
restlessness give way to repose.
Perhaps, relieved by this effusion, the slumber so much wanted
might have stolen on my senses, had there been no new cause of
alarm.
VI
I was aroused from this stupor by sounds that evidently arose in
the next chamber. Was it possible that I had been mistaken in the
figure which I had seen on the bank? or had Carwin, by some
inscrutable means, penetrated once more into this chamber? The
opposite door opened; footsteps came forth, and the person,
advancing to mine, knocked.
So unexpected an incident robbed me of all presence of mind, and,
starting up, I involuntarily exclaimed, "Who is there?" An answer
was immediately given. The voice, to my inexpressible
astonishment, was Pleyel's.
"It is I. Have you risen? If you have not, make haste; I want
three minutes' conversation with you in the parlor. I will wait
for you there." Saying this, he retired from the door.
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