res; and hung upon each accent of the low silvery
voice, as if he feared it were the last to which his soul should thrill
responsive.

He was a tall and powerful youth of twenty-four or five years; yet, though
his limbs were sinewy and lithe, and though his deep round chest, thin
flanks, and muscular shoulders gave token of much growing strength, it was
still evident that, his stature having been prematurely gained, he lacked
much of that degree of power of which his frame gave promise. For though
his limbs were well formed they were scarcely set, or furnished, as we
should say in speaking of an animal; and the strength, which he in truth
possessed, was that of elasticity and youthful vigor, capable rather of
violent though brief exertion, than that severe and trained robustness,
which can for long continuous periods sustain the strongest and most
trying labor.

His hair was dark and curling--his eye bright, clear, and penetrating; yet
was its glance at times wavering and undetermined, such as would indicate
perhaps a want of steadiness of purpose, not of corporeal resolution, for
that was disproved by one glance at the decided curve of his bold
clean-cut mouth, and the square outlines of his massive jaw, which seemed
almost to betoken fierceness. There was a quick short flash at times, keen
as the falcon's, in the unsteady eye, that told of energy enough within
and stirring spirit to prompt daring deeds, the momentary irresolution
conquered. There was a frank and cheery smile that oftentimes belied the
auguries drawn from the other features; and, more than all, there was a
tranquil sweet expression, which now and then pervaded the whole
countenance, altering for the better its entire character, and betokening
more mind and deeper feelings, than would at first have been suspected
from his aspect.

His dress was the ordinary tunic of the day, of plain white woollen stuff,
belted about the middle by a girdle, which contained his ivory tablets,
and the metallic pencil used for writing on their waxed surface, together
with his handkerchief and purse; but nothing bearing the semblance of a
weapon, not so much even as a common knife. His legs and arms were bare,
his feet being protected merely by sandals of fine leather having the
clasps or fibulae of gold; as was the buckle of his girdle, and one huge
signet ring, which was his only ornament.

His toga, which had been laid aside on entering the saloon, as was the
custom