These vexatious circumstances animated
his endeavours, while they irritated his chagrin. In short, he
continued his pursuit, till the night was far advanced, and himself so
uncertain about the object of his care, that he entered a solitary
inn, with a view of obtaining some intelligence, when, to his
infinite joy, he perceived the chaise standing by itself, and the
horses panting in the yard.
In full confidence of his having arrived at last at the goal of
all his wishes, he alighted instantaneously, and, running up to the
coachman, with a pistol in his hand, commanded him, in an imperious
tone, to conduct him to the lady's chamber, on pain of death. The
driver, affrighted at this menacing address, protested, with great
humility, that he did not know whither his fare had retired; for
that he himself was paid and dismissed from the service, because
he would not undertake to drive them all night across the country
without stopping to refresh his horses. But he promised to go in
quest of the waiter, who would show him to their apartment. He was
accordingly detached on that errand, while our hero stood sentinel
at the gate, till the arrival of his valet-de-chambre, who, joining
him by accident, before the coachman returned, relieved him in his
watch; and then the young gentleman, exasperated at his messenger's
delay, rushed, with fury in his eyes, from room to room, denouncing
vengeance upon the whole family; but he did not meet with one living
soul, until he entered the garret, where he found the landlord
and his wife in bed.
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