Chapter 15

pressed against a pane. Storm and gathering darkness without_.

_Julian_. Plague on the lamp! 'tis gone--no, there it flares! I wish the wind would leave or blow it out. Heavens! how it thunders! This terrific storm Will either cow or harden him. I'm blind! That lightning! Oh, let me see again, lest he Should enter in the dark! I cannot bear This glimmering longer. Now that gush of rain Has blotted all my view with crossing lights. 'Tis no use waiting here. I must cross over, And take my stand in the corner by the door. But if he comes while I go down the stairs, And I not see? To make sure, I'll go gently Up the stair to the landing by her door.

[_He goes quickly toward the door_.]

_Hostess (opening the door and looking in_). If you please, sir--

[_He hurries past_]

The devil's in the man!