With men of shy or timid character this operated as an insuperable barrier in their way.

But it operated more or less upon all.
It was surprising to see what little circumstances affected many.

When I took out my pen and ink to put down the information which a person was giving me, he became evidently embarrassed and frightened.

He began to excuse himself from staying, by alleging that he had nothing more to communicate, and he took himself away as quickly as he could with decency.

The sight of the pen and ink had lost me so many good evidences, that I was obliged wholly to abandon the use of them, and to betake myself to other means.