I thought that if you knew the lady--Hark!" I knew that we ought not to listen.

But the mystery of the fellow's manner and the concern of his air constrained me, and I too paused, listening.
From behind the door there came to our strained attentive ears the sound of a woman sobbing.

I sought the waiter's eyes; they were already bent on me.

Again the sad sounds came--low, swift, and convulsive.

It went to my heart to hear them.