a
bright light. He then glanced sternly around the room. All was as usual,
not a chair had been moved since he left. Beneath the secretary were the
scraps of letters and papers he had torn up the day of his journey. Even
the book he had been reading that morning lay upon the table in front
of the sofa; beside it stood the same silver candlesticks, with the same
half-burnt candles. It had all been untouched; only he, the master of
the apartment, had been touched by the burning hand of misfortune--he
alone was changed, transformed. He smiled bitterly as his eye glanced at
every object that formerly contributed to his happiness. Then taking
up the light, he approached the table upon which stood the two silver
candlesticks; lighting one after the other, the large, deserted-looking
chamber became illuminated, bringing the pictures on the walls, the
heavy satin curtains, the handsome furniture, the tables covered with
costly knick-knacks, the large Japan vases, and a huge clock upon the
mantel-piece, into view. All bore a gay and festive appearance, much at
variance with the unfortunate man's feelings.

His glance had wandered everywhere. Not once, however, had his eye
strayed to two large pictures hanging on the left side of the room. The
one was of himself--gay, smiling features, a bright glance such as was
never now seen upon his countenance. The other was Camilla--Camilla in
her bridal robes, as beautiful and lovely as a dream, with her glorious,
child-like smile in which he had so long believed--for which, seeing
in it the reflection of her pure, innocent soul, she was so unspeakably
dear to him. To these two pictures he had completely turned his back,
and was walking sadly up and down the room. He now raised his head
proudly, and his countenance, which but a moment before had been sad and
dejected, was now daring and energetic.

"It is time," murmured he.

With a firm hand he grasped a bell lying upon the table. Its loud,
resounding ring disturbed the deep stillness that reigned throughout the
apartments, causing Lord Elliot's heart to tremble with woe. But there
was no noise--all remained quiet. Lord Elliot waited awhile, then
opening the door passed into the hall. Returning, he again rang the bell
long and loudly. "They cannot fail to hear me now," said he.

Several doors were now opened by some of the servants, but their terror
was such that they retreated in haste, slamming the doors behind them.

Lord Elliot r