htst dwell among the Gods the while
Lapped in voluptuous joy?

PROMETHEUS.--I would not quit
This bleak ravine, these unrepentant pains.

_Prometheus Unbound_.

Great moments, whether of pain, surprise, or terror, awaken in the
startled breast very different emotions from those we are led to
anticipate from the agitation caused by lesser experiences. As Carmel
disclosed her features to the court, my one absorbing thought was: Would
she look at me? Could I hope for a glance of her eye? Did I wish it? My
question was answered before Mr. Moffat had regained his place and turned
to address the court.

As her gaze passed from her brother's face, it travelled slowly and with
growing hesitation over the countenances of those near her, on and on
past the judge, past the jury, until they reached the spot where I sat.
There they seemed to falter, and the beating of my heart became so loud
that I instinctively shrank away from my neighbour. By so doing, I drew
her eye, which fell full upon mine for one overwhelming minute; then she
shrank and looked away, but not before the colour had risen in a flood to
her cheek.

The hope which had sprung to life under her first beautiful aspect,
vanished in despair at sight of this flush. For it was not one of joy, or
surprise, or even of unconscious sympathy. It was the banner of a deep,
unendurable shame. Versed in her every expression, I could not mistake
the language of her dismayed soul, at this, the most critical instant of
her life. She had hoped to find me absent; she was overwhelmed to find me
there. Could she, with a look, have transported me a thousand miles from
this scene of personal humiliation and unknown, unimaginable outcome, she
would have bestowed that look and ignored the consequences.

Nor was I behind her in the reckless passion of the moment. Could I, by
means of a wish, have been transported those thousand miles, I should
even now have been far from a spot where, in the face of a curious crowd,
busy in associating us together, I must submit to the terror of hearing
her speak and betray herself to these watchful lawyers, and to the just
and impartial mind of the presiding judge.

But the days of magic had passed. I could not escape the spot; I could
not escape her eye. The ordeal to which she was thus committed, I must
share. As she advanced step by step upon her uncertain road, it would be
my unhappy fate to advance with her, in terror o