He was far too much ashamed of being known to have been alone with a woman to say anything about her.

Yet he longed to see her again; an interest--even something like an affection--had already sprung up in his heart toward the poor simple creature whom he had delivered from death.

Instead of thinking her ungrateful for not staying to tell what he had done for her, he was thankful to her for having saved his blushes, by disappearing so opportunely....

And he longed to tell her so--to know if she was hurt--to--Oh, Philammon! only four days from the Laura, and a whole regiment of women acquaintances already! True, Providence having sent into the world about as many women as men, it maybe difficult to keep out of their way altogether.

Perhaps, too, Providence may have intended them to be of some use to that other sex, with whom it has so mixed them up.