The Castle of Doubt

that circumstance certainly adds to its strength if, as in my case, you find yourself at once madly, overwhelmingly in love with her. What was I to do ? I was resolved to win her. I had tried, facetiously and feebly enough, to enlighten her. She had not believed. And there was something in her manner which assured me she would never believe. I could fly from the house, out into the street, and there lose myself; or flee from the city; but even then she would not believe. The light which had come into those sapphire eyes would be quenched by my act, and the heart that had throbbed so tumultuously against my own would be torn by unspeakable anguish. Shewould search for me, would grieve for me; and she would not believe. And ? I should lose her forever! Am I a villain ? Hear me to the end, and see. I had been shown to the rooms which were said to be mine. They contained everything to make for comfort. Pipes and tobacco jars, and fragrant Havanas, so old and dry that they were flaky and powdery to the touch, invited me. As I prowled curiously about, like a cat in a strange garret, I even found a little sideboard, with glasses, a case of wine and some bottles of champagne and whiskey. A glance into another room revealed fencing foils, pistols, a hammerless shotgun, and a desk of books. A cleanly disorder was everywhere, as if the owner had departed intending to return soon, and never having done so they had been kept as left with scrupulous care. I confess it...