Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

34 THE ATTEMPT.
She had said enough. As she began, a smothered sound of cursing rose on all
sides; now the whirlwind of furious passion hurst forth, and knew no' hounds. The
tumult spread far and wide among the people. Led by the wizard priests, they rushed
to the palace, and demanded that their King should come forth to them. Kow the poor
old King, being in his dotage, and almost governed by the priests, had been persuaded
and tutored to think and to answer just as they suggested. Led by the Sorceress, he
came forth, sightless and trembling, and his few faltering words confirmed all that
the artful Xemora had declared.
Part III.
All this time Prince Regnar had been absent. He came in from hunting, just
when Temora had brought his father forth. Horror-struck, he soon perceived the
purpose of the fiend-like woman, but in vain he sought to quell the furious tumult.
His father was totally under the dominion of the priests, and when a cry was raised,
demanding as their victim the young and innocent Geraldine, the King’s assent was
given. As for the Princess, she was not to be seen. Two persons, however, who at
once had guessed the place of her retreat, met at the door of her mysterious chamber.
For once that door was scarcely closed. It opened at the gentle touch of Regnar,
but there something arrested him.
“ Stop ! stop ! ” he whispered, holding the door firmly with one hand, while he
thrust forth the other to prevent Temora from advancing. “ Stop but a little while;
Lt us not disturb her yet.”
Temora obeyed. Curiosity for a time mastered her desire for vengeance. She
wished to hear distinctly the words which were pronounced in that chamber; but what
were the words that fell upon her ear 1
The low, sweet voice of Geraldine, breathing forth prayers to the God she
worshipped; pleading for her worst enemy; praying that He, whose favour is life,
would give a new spirit and sweet peace of mind, and every blessing, to her sister
Temora !
The voice of Geraldine ceased, and Regnar entered softly. Temora had sunk
upon the step where she had stood; she did not enter, though at last that chamber
stood open before her; but with still greater astonishment than that with which she
had listened, she gazed upon its inmate.
Geraldine had not heard the light step of her husband. She was kneeling with