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 but slightly defaced, were possessed of a certain original fineness of line, like the handiwork of some little known craftsman who had been touched by genius. There were the remains of a not inconsiderable splendor strewn about her, particularly in her dark, enfolding, and luminous eyes. Suffering was everywhere visible, even in the hair, whose natural sallow hue was peeping through its dye. In form she was large, but not massive; ample, flowing in contour, with the powerful, yet graceful, moulding of a panther.

"Had you not expected something different?" she said, standing up before a scrutiny he did not disguise, and speaking with a mournfulness that seemed to challenge him.

"You have guessed my thoughts," said Northcote, without lowering his gaze.

"I was not always as I was," she said, letting each syllable fall passionless. "I sank deeply, but I am risen again. I am praying that with the aid of one I may scale the heights. I even hope to reach that which in the beginning was above my stature."

"I am glad to hear it," Northcote muttered.

"That is cruel," said his visitor with a shiver. "Such a phrase from your mouth wounds me like a sword."

"I am afraid I don't understand," said Northcote, almost with indifference.

"This is not him whom I came to see," said the woman. "This is not him who saved my base body; him who, if he will, may redeem my whole nature."

"I?" cried the incredulous young advocate.