And now I must get back the one or the other; and which?
and how?
As I tossed in my bed, I could see three possible courses, all extremely perilous.

First, Rowley might have been mistaken; the bank might not be watched; it might still be possible for him to draw the money on the deposit receipt.

Second, I might apply again to Robbie.

Or, third, I might dare everything, go to the Assembly Ball, and speak with Flora under the eyes of all Edinburgh.

This last alternative, involving as it did the most horrid risks, and the delay of forty-eight hours, I did but glance at with an averted head, and turned again to the consideration of the others.