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Rh he had no part. But Daphne said to him, "Fulfil thy promise—tell me why I was taken into that dreadful place, and with what intent those horrible designs were made."

He looked at her narrowly, as a physician at his patient, and said, "I know not if thou canst bear it; and yet everything hangs upon this mystery,—the object of our journey to Athens—the nature of our rule in this city—ay, and the future of the whole human race."

He spoke slowly and with the most distinct articulation, and the last words were uttered with all the solemnity of a priest interpreting the signs of a great national disaster. He seemed even to increase in stature, and Daphne was overcome with his impressive dignity.

"Tell me everything, I implore thee," she said.

"Come, then," he replied; "but arm thine heart with triple brass, for this time it is living