صفحة 409 من 483

I passed an hour in this state of mind, when suddenly I reflected

how fearful the combat which I momentarily expected would be to

my wife, and I earnestly entreated her to retire, resolving not

to join her until I had obtained some knowledge as to the

situation of my enemy.

She left me, and I continued some time walking up and down the

passages of the house and inspecting every corner that might

afford a retreat to my adversary. But I discovered no trace of

him and was beginning to conjecture that some fortunate chance

had intervened to prevent the execution of his menaces when

suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful scream. It came from the

room into which Elizabeth had retired. As I heard it, the whole

truth rushed into my mind, my arms dropped, the motion of every

muscle and fibre was suspended; I could feel the blood trickling

in my veins and tingling in the extremities of my limbs. This

state lasted but for an instant; the scream was repeated, and I

rushed into the room.