hideous guilt, and exposed to the bitter hatred and laughter and withering scorn of a vast surrounding multitude. There was the struggle of defiance, beaten down and overwhelmed by the crushing weight of ignominy. The torture of the soul had come forth upon the countenance. It seemed as if the picture, while hidden behind the cloud of immemorial years, had been all the time acquiring an intenser depth and darkness of expression, till now it gloomed forth again, and threw its evil omen over the present hour. Such, if the wild legend may be credited, was the portrait of Edward Randolph, as he appeared when a people's curse had wrought its influence upon his nature.
"'Twould drive me mad,—that awful face!" said Hutchinson, who seemed fascinated by the contemplation of it.
"Be warned, then!" whispered Alice. "He trampled on a people's rights. Behold his punishment,—and avoid a crime like his!"
The Lieutenant-Governor actually trembled for an instant; but, exerting his energy,—which was not, however, his most characteristic feature,—he strove to shake off the spell of Randolph's countenance.
"Girl!" cried he, laughing bitterly, as he turned to Alice, "have you brought hither your painter's art,—your Italian spirit of intrigue,—your tricks of stage effect,—and think to influence the councils of rulers and the affairs of nations by such shallow contrivances? See here!"
"Stay yet awhile," said the Selectman, as Hutchinson again snatched the pen; "for if ever mortal man received a warning from a tormented soul, your Honor is that man!"
"Away!" answered Hutchinson fiercely. "Though yonder senseless picture cried, 'Forbear!' it should not move me!"
