Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 1).pdf/188

 was long since I had seen an instrument&mdash;I thought no one would hear me&mdash;"

"Why you don't pretend that it was you who played?"

The young woman renewed her apology.

"You?&mdash;You play upon a harp?&mdash;And pray who was it that sung?"

The stranger looked down.

"Well, this is surprising indeed!&mdash;And pray where might such a body as you learn these things?&mdash;And what use can such a body want them for? Be so good as to tell me that; and who you are?"

The stranger, in the utmost disturbance, painfully answered, "I am truly ashamed, Madam, so often to press for your forbearance, but my silence is impelled by necessity! I am but too well aware how incomprehensible this must seem, but my situation is perilous&mdash;I cannot reveal it! I can only implore your compassion!&mdash;"

She retired hastily.