When, in my frequent rambles, I perceived this apartment was occupied, I gave a different direction to my steps.

One evening, when a shower had just passed, judging by the silence that no one was within, I ascended to this building.

Glancing carelessly round, I perceived an open letter on the pedestal.

To read it was doubtless an offence against politeness.

Of this offence, however, I was guilty.
"Scarcely had I gone half through when I was alarmed by the approach of your brother.