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 one that glimmered against the wall served only to make "darkness visible," and to throw additional horrors on the place.

"Good Heaven!" cried Ferdinand, "is it possible human nature could support a long confinement in this place!"

"Ah! Sir," replied the man, feebly, "we know not till put to the test what very severe trials nature can sustain. Death is not so ready to relieve the wretched. Our cruel persecutor found out a way to make us support, nay even wish for life. That dear, unhappy woman! think what must have been her sufferings; upwards of twelve years, as the avenging monster told us a few days since, have we been here. Long, long ago, we lost all power of computing time. O, Eugenia, shall I live to see you free!"—"To be spared the misery of seeing you die," answered a faint but sweet voice, "is all the boon I ask of Heaven!"

Mutual sighs succeeded this tender expression, and Ferdinand, overcome with emotions at a scene so replete with horror, could not