Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/82

 be dreaded; yet the next step to destruction was not suddenly taken: I paused on the brink of the precipice, as if to survey the depth of that frenzy that invaded me—was able to ponder on the scene, and deliberate in a state that partook of calm, on the circumstances of my situation. My mind was harassed by the repetition of one idea; conjecture deepened into certainty: I could place the object in no light which did not corroborate the persuasion that, in the act committed, I had ensured the destruction of my lady.

"At length my mind, somewhat relieved from the tempest of my fears, began to trace and analyse the consequences which I dreaded.

"The fate of Wiatte would inevitably draw along with it that of his sister: in what way would this effect be produced? Were they linked together by a sympathy whose influence was independent of sensible communication? Could she arrive at a knowledge of his miserable end by other than verbal means? I had heard of such extraordinary copartnerships in being and modes of instantaneous intercourse among beings locally distant. Was this a new instance of the subtilty of mind? Had she already endured his agonies, and, like him, already ceased to breathe?

"Every hair bristled at this horrible suggestion. But the force of sympathy might be chimerical: buried in sleep, or engaged in careless meditation, the instrument by which her destiny might be accomplished was the steel of an assassin; a series of events, equally beyond the reach of foresight with those which had just happened, might introduce, with equal abruptness, a similar disaster. What at that moment was her condition? Reposing in safety in her chamber, as her family imagined. But were they not deceived? Was she not a mangled corpse? Whatever were her situation, it could not be ascertained, except by extraordinary means, till the morning. Was it wise to defer the scrutiny till then? Why not instantly investigate the truth?

"These ideas passed rapidly through my mind: a considerable portion of time and amplification of phrase are necessary to exhibit verbally, ideas contemplated in a space of incalculable brevity. With the same rapidity I conceived