This was possible; but it was a mere conjecture unfounded on any fact.

Could there be guilt in it?
He was too upright and noble to _do_ aught that his conscience would not approve; I did not yet know of the crime there may be in involuntary feeling and therefore ascribed his tumultuous starts and gloomy looks wholly to the struggles of his mind and not any as they were partly due to the worst fiend of all--Remorse.[30] But still do I flatter myself that this would have passed away.

His paroxisms of passion were terrific but his soul bore him through them triumphant, though almost destroyed by victory; but the day would finally have been won had not I, foolish and presumtuous wretch! hurried him on untill there was no recall, no hope.

My rashness gave the victory in this dreadful fight to the enemy who triumphed over him as he lay fallen and vanquished.

I! I alone was the cause of his defeat and justly did I pay the fearful penalty.