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you! I'll tell you the remainder when you are better prepared to hear it.

Dart. No, no! the present time is the best.

Vald. (in a feeble voice.) You had better let him go.

Dart. (catching hold of the Bar.) You must not leave us in this tremendous uncertainty. Whose death shall prevent my marriage?

Bar. Let me examine, then. Stretch out your hand. (Dartz holds out his hand, and Vald. involuntarily does the same, but draws it back again as Bar. begins to inspect it.) Nay, don't draw back your hand: I must examine both palms to see if the line of death be there.

Dart. The line of death must be on every man's hand.

Bar. But if it be early or impending death, the waving of the shroud will lie across it. (Vald. shudders and turns away his head, and the Bar., after looking at both their hands, starts back from them, and shakes his head piteously.)

Dart. What is the matter. Father? What is the matter?

Bar. Ask not; I will not tell what I know; nothing shall compel me. [ hastily.

Vald. (turning round.) Is he gone? Went he by the door?

Dart. What way he went I know not. He has vanished I believe: did you hear his steps on the floor?

Vald. I heard nothing.