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184 ARIADNE.IfIhad longed to take a mallet and beat itsbeauty down into atoms and dust, what mightnot he do, he who had struck the Nausicaa asmen strike a faithless wife ?He took the keyfrom me, and thrust it intothe door." AVhat do you fear ?" he"said. ShallIharm"the stone whenIhave let the manlive?Then he opened the door and entered. Ihadleft alamp burniug there; alamp that swung ona chain hung from above, and was immediatelyabove the head of the statue. The stream of softgoldenlight from the burningolive oil fell full onthe serene beauty of the figure, holding the deadnightingale in its hand, with doubt upon itsfeatures that was not regret.A strong shudder shook Maryx.Idrew the door to, and waited without. Itseemed to me thatIwaited hours,but no doubtthey were only minutes. AVhen the door unclosed,and he came forth from the chamber,hewas calm and his face was only stern. ■- j" It is a great work;it would be great for agreat man. It will give her fame.It shall giveit