te!--on men, the
guiltiest of whom were pure as the spotless snow, when compared with his
own conscious guilt; and Catiline to glide through dark streets, visiting
discontented artizans, debauched mechanics, desperate gamblers, scattering
dark and ambiguous promises, and stirring up that worthless rabble--who,
with all to gain and nothing to lose by civil strife and tumult, abound in
all great cities--to violence and thirst of blood.

Three or four hours at least he spent thus; and well satisfied with his
progress, delighted by the increasing turbulence of the fierce and
irresponsible democracy, and rejoicing in having gained many new and
fitting converts to his creed, he returned homeward, ripe for fresh
villainy. Chaerea met him on the threshold, with his face pale and haggard
from excitement.

"Catiline," he exclaimed, "she had gone forth already, before you bade me
watch her!"

"She!--Who, slave? who?" and knowing perfectly who was meant, yet hoping,
in his desperation, that he heard not aright, he caught the freedman by
the throat, and shook him furiously.

"Lucia Orestilla," faltered the trembling menial.

"And has not returned?" thundered the traitor.

"Catiline, no!"

"Liar! and fool!" cried the other, gnashing his teeth with rage, as he
gave way to his ungovernable fury, and hurling him with all his might
against the marble door-post.

The freedman fell, like a dead man, with the blood gushing from his nose
and mouth; and Catiline, striding across the prostrate body, retired
sullenly and slowly to muse on the disappointment of this his most
atrocious project, in the darkness and solitude of his own private chamber
whither none dared intrude unsummoned.

CHAPTER XI.

THE RELEASE.

And, for that right is right, to follow right
Were wisdom, in the scorn of consequence.
TENNYSON. OENONE.

Paullus Arvina sat alone in a small chamber of his own house. Books were
before him, his favorites; the authors, whose words struck chords the most
kindred in his soul; but though his eye rested on the fair manuscripts, it
was evident that his mind was absent. The slender preparations for the
first Roman meal were displayed temptingly on a board, not far from his
elbow; but they were all untouched. His hair was dishevelled; his face
pale, either from watching or excitement; and his eye wild and haggard. He
wore a loose morning gown of colored linen, and his bare feet