'To-morrow!' He threw Schirene
aside somewhat hastily, and sprang from his seat. 'To-morrow! would it
were over! To-morrow! Methinks there is within that single word the fate
of ages! Shall it be said to-morrow that Alroy---- Hah! what art thou
that risest now before me? Dread, mighty spirit, thou hast come in time
to save me from perdition. Take me to thy bosom, 'tis not stabbed. They
did not stab thee. Thou seest me here communing with thy murderers. What
then? I am innocent. Ask them, dread ghost, and call upon their fiendish
souls to say I am pure. They would make me dark as themselves, but shall
not.'
'Honain, Honain!' exclaimed the Princess in a terrible whisper as she
flew to the Physician. 'He is wild again. Calm him, calm him. Mark! how
he stands with his extended arms, and fixed vacant eyes, muttering most
awful words! My spirit fails me. It is too fearful.'
The Physician advanced and stood by the side of Alroy, but in vain
attempted to catch his attention. He ventured to touch his arm. The
Prince started, turned round, and recognising him, exclaimed in a
shrieking voice, 'Off, fratricide!'
Honain recoiled, pale and quivering. Schirene sprang to his arm. 'What
said he, Honain? Thou dost not speak.
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