Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/44

 an opportunity to avail myself of my conquest accordingly I got up, and explored my way in the dark to the garret where she lay.—I was ravished to find the door open, and moved softly to her bed-side, transported with the hope of completing my wishes.—But what horrors of jealousy and disappointment did I feel when I found her asleep, fast locked in the arms of a man whom I easily guessed to be no other than the captain's servant, who lodged in the same house. I was upon the point of doing some rash thing when the noise of a rat scratching behind the wainscot put me to flight and I was fain to get back in safety. Whether this alarm had disordered my mind, or that I was led astray by the power of destiny, I know not: but instead of turning to the left, I pursued the contrary course, and mistook the young lady's chamber for my own. I did not perceive my mistake before I had run against the bed-posts, and then it was not in my power to retreat undiscovered; for the nymph being awake, bid me make less noise, lest the Scotch booby in the next room should overhear us. This hint was sufficient to inform me of the nature of the assignation; therefore, without any more ceremony, I slipt into bed to this charmer, who gave me as favourable a reception as I could desire. Our conversation was very sparse