“He strode through the streets at a rapid pace, but, by a side glance I got of him, there could be no doubt but that it was the same Tom Templeton of my school days.
“He had not gone far, when he entered a small, obscure house, and, in less than ten minutes, emerged again, but so differently attired and so gay, I could scarce have recognised him.
“Yet on his countenance was still the same calm, pale, melancholy.
“He actually stopped at the same house I was going to, and was admitted.
“What was his business there, I wondered to know.
“I knew what mine was, namely, to make love to the daughter of a very rich man my father had known for years.
“I did not knock at the door, but let myself in with a latch-key.
“When I quietly advanced towards the parlour door, I perceived Tom Templeton on his knees before the idol of my heart!
“What startled me more, was, the lady fair listened to his fair speeches, and returned his advances.
“For the first time in my life, I felt envy, malice, and revenge.