"I promise, and be the consequences on your own head." His whole face flushed with joy.
"I accept them.

And when is that happy time to come ?" "Who knows! What must be done, had best be done quickly; but I tell thee it were safer to play with the lightning's chain than tamper with what thou art about to do." "I take the risk! Will you raise your mask now ?" "No, no--I cannot! But yet, I may before the sun rises.

My face"-- with bitter scorn--"shows better by darkness than by daylight.

Will you be out to see, the grand illumination." "Most certainly." "Then meet me here an hour after midnight, and the face so long hidden shall be revealed.

But, once again, on the threshold of doom, I entreat you to pause." "There is no such word for me!" he fiercely and exultingly cried.