I accosted him
in a soft and soothing tone. He was taken with my address; for he
instantly stood still and gazed intently at me, then at the place,
and then at me again. I beckoned him to follow me, which he did
without further ceremony, and we soon found ourselves together
in the best room of a house where everything was wretched. He
still looked about him, and at me; but all this while he had never
spoken a word. At length, I asked if he would take any
refreshment? 'If you please,' said he. I asked what he would have,
but he only answered, 'Whatever you choose, madam.' If he was
taken with my address, I was much more taken with his; for he
was a complete gentleman, and a gentleman will ever act as one.
At length, he began as follows:
"'I am utterly at a loss to account for this adventure, madam. It
seems to me like enchantment, and I can hardly believe my
senses. An English lady, I judge, and one, who from her manner
and address should belong to the first class of society, in such a
place as this, is indeed matter of wonder to me. At the foot of a
close in Edinburgh! and at this time of the night! Surely it must
have been no common reverse of fortune that reduced you to
this?' I wept, or pretended to do so; on which he added, 'Pray,
madam, take heart.
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