Page:Tricotrin, by 'Ouida'.djvu/325

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THE STORY OF A WAIF AND STRAY.
319


forth, these lives that grow up, like rank grass, from corruption ? '

The great multitude was silent ; even the hellish creature that had mouthed and mocked at his feet, was quiet and touched with awe, not knowing the meaning of the words, but moved, unwittingly, by the solemn and dread sweetness of the voice above him.

Through the mob of murderers, and ravishers, and thieves, and forgers, a shiver ran like one deep sob.

Without another word he went down from the stones where he stood, and passed away through their midst, leading the condemned with him.