All that day the coming event of the evening was continually before my
mind's eye, and it seemed to me as if the appetite which had so long
controlled me exerted more power over me than ever. It grew stronger
than I had any time known it, now that I was about to rid myself of it.
Until noon I struggled against its cravings, and then, unable to endure
my misery any longer, I made some excuse for leaving the shop, and went
nearly a mile from it in order to procure one more glass wherewith to
appease the demon who had so tortured me. The day wore wearily away,
and when evening came I determined, in spite of many a hesitation, to
perform the promise I had made to the stranger the night before. The
meeting was to be held at the lower town hall, Worcester; and thither,
clad in an old brown surtout, closely buttoned up to my chin that my
ragged habiliments beneath might not be visible, I went. I took a
place among the rest, and when an opportunity of speaking offered
itself, I requested permission to be heard, which was readily granted.
When I stood up to relate my story, I was invited to the stand, to
which I repaired, and on turning to face the audience, I recognized my
acquaintance who had asked me to sign.
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