Still, as he sat brooding and searching the very depths of his soul, he could not help feeling that he had certainly acted rightly and would do the same again, even at the risk of losing her.

To him Gorgo, was the noblest of God's creatures, and how could he have borne to go through life at her side with a stain on his honor?
But he did not conceal from himself the fact that his deed had opened a wide gulf between them; and it was with deep pathos that his thoughts recurred to the antique conception of tragedy--of fate which pursues its innocent victims as though they were guilty.

This day perhaps would witness the sunset of his life's joy, would drive him forth once more to war--to fight, and do nothing but fight, till death should meet him on the battle-field.

And as he sat there his eyes grew dim and heavy and his head fell on his heaving breast.
Suddenly he felt a light touch on his shoulder, and turning round, he saw Gorgo standing with her hand outstretched; he started to his feet, seized it with eager passion and looking sadly into the young girl's eyes said, with deep emotion: "I would I might hold this hand forever--but you will leave me, you will turn from me when I tell you of the deed that mine has done." "I know it," she said firmly.

"And it was a hard task even for you--a painful duty--was it not ?" "Terrible! horrible!" he exclaimed with a shudder, as he recalled the feelings of that momentous instant.