What was my terror to behold the man in the
gray coat behind me, and making toward me! In the next moment he took
off his hat before me, and bowed so low as no one had ever yet done to
me. There was no doubt but that he wished to address me, and, without
being rude, I could not prevent it. I also took off my hat; bowed
also; and stood there in the sun with bare head as if rooted to the
ground. I stared at him full of terror, and was like a bird which a
serpent has fascinated. He himself appeared very much embarrassed.
He raised not his eyes; again bowed repeatedly; drew nearer, and
addressed me with a soft, tremulous voice, almost in a tone of
supplication.
"May I hope, sir, that you will pardon my boldness in venturing in so
unusual a manner to approach you, but I would ask a favor. Permit me
most condescendingly----"
"But in God's name!" exclaimed I in my trepidation, "what can I do for
a man who--" we both started, and, as I believe, reddened.
After a moment's silence, he again resumed: "During the short time
that I had the happiness to find myself near you, I have, sir,
many times--allow me to say it to you--really contemplated with
inexpressible admiration, the beautiful, beautiful, shadow which, as
it were, with a certain noble disdain, and without yourself remarking
it, you cast from you in the sunshine. The noble shadow at your feet
there. Pardon me the bold supposition, but possibly you might not be
indisposed to make this shadow over to me.
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