n-like retreat. There is less day and more night between these
high-shouldered walls than elsewhere; for though the sun is scarce
below the horizon, cobwebs seem to pervade the air, making the evening
gray before its time. Yonder seated figure is the nucleus of the
gloom. The room were less dark and oppressive, but for him!

Does he mean to spend the night here? He sits at ease, as one who,
having labored the day long hard and honestly, finds repose at sundown
grateful. Such calm of mind and body argues inward peace--or
paralysis!

But Manetho has food for meditation, for his work is still
incomplete. Ah, it has been but a sour and anxious work after all!
when it is finished, let death come, since Death-in-life will be the
sole alternative. Yet will death bring rest to your weariness, think
you? Would not Death's eyes look kindlier on you, if you had used more
worthily Death's brother,--Life? What would you give, Manetho, to see
all that you have done undone? if to undo it were possible!

One picture is ever before you,--you see it wherever you look, and
whether your eyes be shut or open,--two loving souls, standing hand in
hand before you to be married. How happy they look! how nobly
confident is their affection! with what clear freedom their eyes sound
one another's depths! Neither cares to have a thought or feeling
unshared by the other.--What have you done, Manetho?--shall the deed
stand? O dark and distorted soul! the minutes are slipping fast away,
and you are slipping with them to a black eternity. Will you stir hand
nor foot to save yourself, to break your fall? not raise your voice,
for once to speak the truth? Even yet the truth may save!--

The night of your life will this be, Manetho. Will you dream of those
whose few hours of bliss will stamp Forever on the seal of your
damnation? Think,--through what interminable aeons the weight of their
just curse will pile itself higher and heavier on your miserable
soul! Fain would you doubt the truth of immortality: but the power of
unbelief is gone; devil-like, you believe and tremble. And where is
the reward which should recompense you for this large outlay? Does the
honey of your long-awaited triumph offend your lips like gall?--Then
woe for him whose morning dreams of vengeance become realities in the
evening!--

How stands it between you and Gnulemah, Manetho? She has never loved
you ardently, perhaps; but how will you face her hatred? It is late to
be aski