The door was formed of light materials The lock, of simple structure, easily forewent its hold It opened room, and commonly moved upon its hinges, after being unfastened, without any effort This effort, however, was bestowed present occasion my purpose to open it with quickness; but the exertion which was ineffectual It refused to open

At another time, this circumstance have looked with face of mystery supposed some casual obstruction and repeated my efforts to surmount it But now my mind was accessible to no conjecture but one The door was hindered from opening by human force Surely, here was new cause for affright confirmation proper to decide my conduct Now was all ground of hesitation taken away What supposed but that I deserted the chamber house ? that I endeavored no longer to withdraw the door ?

Have I not said that my actions were dictated by frenzy ? My reason had forborne, for time, to suggest or to sway my resolves I reiterated my endeavors I exerted all my force to overcome the obstacle, but in vain The strength that was exerted it shut was superior to mine

casual observer might, perhaps, applaud the audaciousness conduct Whence, but from habitual defiance of danger, could my perseverance arise ? already assigned, as distinctly as able, the cause of it The frantic conception that my brother was within, resistance made to my design was exerted by him, had rooted itself in my mind comprehend the height infatuation, when I tell you that, finding all my exertions vain, I betook myself to exclamations Surely utterly bereft of understanding

Now I had arrived crisis fate "Oh, hinder not the door to open," I exclaimed, in tone that had less of fear than of grief " you well Come forth, but harm me not I beseech you, come forth "

I had taken my hand lock and removed to small distance door I had scarcely uttered these words, door swung upon its hinges and displayed to my view the interior closet Whoever was within was shrouded in darkness few seconds passed without interruption silence not what to expect or to fear My eyes stray recess Presently, deep sigh was heard The quarter it came heightened the eagerness gaze Some one approached farther end I quickly perceived the outlines of human figure Its steps were irresolute and slow I recoiled as it advanced

By coming verge room, his form was clearly distinguishable I had prefigured to myself very different personage The face that presented itself last that desire to meet at an hour and in place like this My wonder was stifled by my fears Assassins had lurked recess Some divine voice warned me of danger that moment awaited me I had spurned the intimation, and challenged my adversary

I recalled the mysterious countenance and dubious character of Carwin What motive but atrocious ones could guide his steps hither ? alone My habit suited the hour, place, warmth season All succor was remote He had placed himself between me door My frame shook vehemence apprehensions

Yet not wholly lost to myself; I vigilantly marked his demeanor His looks were grave, but not without perturbation What species of inquietude it betrayed the light was not strong enough to enable me to discover He stood still; but his eyes wandered from one object to another When these powerful organs were fixed upon me, I shrunk into myself he broke silence Earnestness, and not embarrassment, was tone He advanced close while he spoke:--

"What voice which lately addressed you ? "

He paused for an answer; but, observing my trepidation, he resumed, with undiminished solemnity, "Be not terrified Whoever , he you an important service not were the voice of companion That sound was beyond the compass of human organs The knowledge that enabled him you who was closet was obtained by incomprehensible means

" that Carwin was there Were you not apprised intents ? The same power could impart the one other Yet, knowing these, you persisted Audacious girl ! But perhaps you confided guardianship Your confidence was just With succor like this at hand safely defy me

" my eternal foe; the baffler best-concerted schemes Twice been saved by his accursed interposition But for him long ere now have borne away the spoils of your honor "

He looked at me with greater steadfastness than before I became every moment more anxious safety with difficulty I stammered out an entreaty that instantly depart, or suffer me He paid no regard to my request, but proceeded in more impassioned manner:--

" it you fear ? Have I not told you safe ? one in whom you more reasonably place trust assured you of it ? Even if I execute my purpose, what injury is done ? Your prejudices will call it name, but it merits it not

" impelled by sentiment that does you honor; sentiment sanctify my deed; but, whatever it be, safe Be this chimera still worshiped; do nothing to pollute it " There he stopped

The accents and gestures man left me drained of all courage Surely, on no other occasion should thus pusillanimous My state I regarded as hopeless one wholly mercy being Whichever way I turned my eyes, no avenue escape The resources personal strength, my ingenuity, and my eloquence, I estimated at nothing The dignity of virtue force of truth I accustomed to celebrate, and had frequently vaunted conquests which make with their assistance

I used to suppose that certain evils could never befall being in possession of sound mind; that true virtue supplies us with energy which vice can never resist; always power to obstruct, by his own death, the designs of an enemy who aimed at our life How that sentiment like despair had now invaded me, I trusted protection of chance, or pity persecutor ?

His words imparted some notion injury which he had meditated He talked of obstacles that had risen way He had relinquished his design These sources supplied me with slender consolation no security but absence When I looked at myself, when I reflected hour place, overpowered by horror and dejection

silent, museful, and inattentive to my situation, yet made no motion to depart silent in my turn What could ? confident that reason contest impotent owe my safety own suggestions Whatever purpose brought him hither, he had changed it Why then did he remain ? His resolutions might fluctuate, pause of restore to him his first resolutions

Yet was not this the man whom we had treated with unwearied kindness ? whose society was endeared by his intellectual elevation and accomplishments ? who had thousand times expatiated usefulness and beauty of virtue ? Why should such one be dreaded ? If forgotten the circumstances our interview had taken place, treated his words as jests Presently, he resumed:--

"Fear me not: the space that severs us is small, and all visible succor is distant You believe yourself completely in my power; that you stand brink of ruin Such are your groundless fears lift finger to hurt you Easier would it be to stop the moon in her course than to injure you The power that protects crumble my sinews and reduce me to heap of ashes in moment, if I were to harbor thought hostile to your safety