I reflected with amazement on the slightness of that thread by which human passions are led from their true direction.

With no less amazement did I remark the complexity of incidents by which I had been empowered to communicate to her this truth.

How baseless are the structures of falsehood, which we build in opposition to the system of eternal nature! If I should escape undetected from this recess, it will be true that I never saw the face of either of these persons, and yet I am acquainted with the most secret transaction of their lives.
My own situation was now more critical than before.

The lights were extinguished, and the parties had sought repose.

To issue from the closet now would be imminently dangerous.