MIDNIGHT
I should never have deliberately committed an act like this . The slightest obstacle would have repelled me ; but my eye glanced almost spontaneously upon the paper . I caught only parts of sentences ; but my eyes comprehended more at a glance , because the characters were short-hand . I lighted on the words SUMMER-HOUSE , MIDNIGHT , and made out a passage which spoke of the propriety and of the effects to be expected from ANOTHER interview . All this passed in less than a moment . I then checked myself , and made myself known to you , by a tap upon your shoulder . `` I could pardon and account for some trifling alarm ; but your trepidation and blushes were excessive .