Page:Tragical history of George Barnwell (1).pdf/6

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attention to this Spetcre was so intense, that she did not notice the form of a man, who stood contemplating with smiles the agony of the female, until the sound of a harp which he touched in a rapid manner, aroused her. He was remarkably handsome, and his voice, which accompanied the harp was melodious. But the fair maid was struck with horror, when she found his verses were expressive of the pleasure he felt at the heart-rending scene before her!———Eliza awoke with terror from her dream, and doubted for some time whether what she had seen and heard, were not real. Just as she had overcome the impressions arising from so horrible a vision, the night-wind wafted by the casement of her chamber, the tone of an instrument so similar to that which she had heard in fancy, that, starting up, she drew aside the curtain. under apprehension of beholding awake the vision of her sleep. The chamber was in total darkness, but the same sounds were repeated. She left her bed and opening the casement she heard them more distinctly, and was convinced they came from the Abbey.———In a few moments all was silent, and she beheld a lighted torch borne along the ruins! but the night was too dark to discern the person that carried it. That music was not imaginary, she was convinced; but for what purpose any one would ramble among the mouldering tombs, she had yet to learn. In the morning, terrified by the events of the night. Eliza dropt her intention of visiting the Abbey alone; but unburthened her mind to her beloved brother.