the thick oaken door that was the entrance to my shop . The moon was barely out , yet the streets seemed unusually bright all the same . Every detail in the stones of the road and in the carriages and people who passed me was exquisitely clear . Even the smallest elements of the avenue seemed to hold resounding depth . Enjoying the wonders of the night on my walk home , I did not over-think the clarity of it . I wish now that I had , or at least had Benjamin walk home with me , rather than sending him on his way .
Turning the corner onto Seventeenth Street from Arch Street , I felt a presence behind me . I thought it merely one of the night folk , scurrying about on some meaningless errand ; until a hand fell upon my shoulder , stopping me in my tracks .
“ Pardon me , miss ,” said a soft , melodious voice directly behind me . “ I do not wish to detain you , but could you perhaps direct me to the nearest pub ?”
I turned to see the man who had paused my travels . As I looked up into his eyes , my breath caught in my throat ; for although the night was bright and the clarity of it should have allowed me to see him clearly , his face was obscured in shadow . I could make out nothing more than the angular ridge of his nose and the sharp curve of his jaw .
Retaining my courtesy , though unusually frightened , I replied , “ Why yes , my good sir , it is just up this road . Make a right onto the second lane you come to . It will be on your right , not far down the way .”
He bowed graciously to me , “ Thank you , milady . You have been most helpful this evening . Perhaps I may repay your favor .”
“ There is no need , only helping a thirsty gentleman to find what he seeks .” I told him , knowing that for some reason this was a man I did not wish to meet again . Ever .
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