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ARIADNE. 51Myheart stood stUl. Ihad no clear thought — ofanything thatIshould see, only one idea thatshe must be within the chamber lying dead.Iset my foot upon the threshold with theghastliest fear myHfe had everknown.The room was almost in darkness, for onesmall lamp would not light it;it was a garret,but clean and spacious, with one casement,through whose leaded panes the stars wereshining, and the zinc roofs were glisteningunderthe rays of the moon.There was the form of a woman there: herfaceIcould not see. She was leaning herforehead against the window. She did not turnor move at the unclosing of the door. Palesran forward whining; thenIknew who itwas;Iwent to her timidly, and yet in joy,seeing that she lived, even though she Hved inmisery." Mydeal', will you not speak to me ? " Isaid,and tried to touch her hand. "WiU you noteven look? Iam your friend always, thoughpoor,and of so Httle use " — and thenIstopped,and a greater horror than the fear of death con-E 2