This conviction of my cowardice, my rebellion, fastened upon me, and I stood rigid and cold as marble.

From this state I was somewhat relieved by my wife's voice, who renewed her supplications to be told why we came hither, and what was the fate of my sister.
"What could I answer?
My words were broken and inarticulate.

Her fears naturally acquired force from the observation of these symptoms; but these fears were misplaced.

The only inference she deduced from my conduct was, that some terrible mishap had befallen Clara.
"She wrung her hands, and exclaimed in an agony, "O tell me, where is she?
What has become of her?
Is she sick?
Dead?
Is she in her chamber?
O let me go thither and know the worst!" "This proposal set my thoughts once more in motion.

Perhaps what my rebellious heart refused to perform here, I might obtain strength enough to execute elsewhere.
"Come then," said I, "let us go." "I will, but not in the dark.