It was rather long in doing so, and
when it did, he saw nothing at first but his own handsome, half-
serious,
half-incredulous face; but gradually a picture, distinct and
clear, formed itself at the bottom, and Sir Norman gazed with
bewildered eyes. He saw a large room filled with a sparkling
crowd, many of them ladies, splendidly arrayed and flashing in
jewels, and foremost among them stood one whose beauty surpassed
anything he had ever before dreamed of. She wore the robes of a
queen, purple and ermine - diamonds blazed on the beautiful neck,
arms, and fingers, and a tiara of the same brilliants crowned her
regal head. In one hand she held a sceptre; what seemed to be a
throne was behind her, but something that surprised Sir Norton
most of all was, to find himself standing beside her, the
cynosure of all eyes. While he yet gazed in mingled astonishment
and incredulity, the scene faded away, and another took its
place. This time a dungeon-cell, damp and dismal; walls, and
floor, and ceiling covered with green and hideous slime. A small
lamp stood on the floor, and by its sickly, watery gleam, he saw
himself again standing, pale and dejected, near the wall.
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