The divinity that shielded me from
his attempts will take suitable care of my future safety. Thus to
yield to my fears is to deserve that they should be real."
Scarcely had I uttered these words, when my attention was startled
by the sound of footsteps. They denoted some one stepping into the
piazza in front of my house. My new-born confidence was
extinguished in a moment. Carwin, I thought, had repented his
departure, and was hastily returning. The possibility that his
return was prompted by intentions consistent with my safety found
no place in my mind. Images of violation and murder assailed me
anew, and the terrors which succeeded almost incapacitated me from
taking any measures for my defense. It was an impulse of which I
was scarcely conscious that made me fasten the lock and draw the
bolts of my chamber door. Having done this, I threw myself on a
seat; for I trembled to a degree which disabled me from standing,
and my soul was so perfectly absorbed in the act of listening, that
almost the vital motions were stopped.
The door below creaked on its hinges. It was not again thrust to,
but appeared to remain open.
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