“A cry escaped me, so bitter that it seemed a howl, and I clenched my hands.

“He still followed me along the very edge of the cliff, extending his hand.  A horrible impulse rushed upon me, and a thought darker than jealousy caught it up.  I hurled myself against him.  He staggered on the brink of the abyss, and went down with a sharp, half-stifled scream!

“My eyes followed the dead weight, as it rolled from ledge to ledge, accelerated each instant by the force of the cataract.  A world, tossed out of gravity and crashing among the planets, could not have been more awfully distinct.  Down—­down—­down—­a formless mass of fibre and bone, the mist seemed to buoy it up when it reached the deepmost cascade, and as it disappeared through the tops of the pines I heard the coming of footfalls.

“Mine was a soul in torment, listening to music in heaven.  I stood, stiff and numb in horror, staring into the gulf.  The roar of the cataract was smothered to a babble.  The rainbow vibrated tremulously to the dropping harmonies.  I saw the familiar shadow as it gided to my feet.  A soft hand thrilled me with its touch, and the old voice said,

“‘Dear Luke, I am Heraine, come back.’

“I could not stir.  My eyes were forged to the abyss.

“‘Why do you glare so wildly?’ she said.  ’Come! you have been brave, and must not fail now.  Have you no kind greeting for Heraine?’

“Down in the abyss, swaying and rocking upon the pine bough, with the frank smile as when I murdered him, I saw my victim in fancy.

“‘Speak, Luke,’ she repeated.  ’I have a dear friend here; he has made the long pilgrimage with me, fondly anticipating this meeting.  You will know him to-day, and I am sure you will love him.’

“Still surging upon mist and spray and bough, with the halo of the rainbow shimmering above it, the noble face turned upward forgivingly.

“’We have planned for your happiness, dear friend.  Compared to the retreat we have fashioned for you, Glengoyle is a Babel.  But you are ill, Luke; What terrible allurement lies in the waterfall?  Come away from the brink!  Ralph!  Ralph!’

“She called in clear tones.  The woods and waters answered back.

“‘He is there,’ I stammered; ’down—­deep—­dead—­do you see him?—­how he smiles and surges on the tufts of the pines!  I—­thrust him over—­in rage—­even as he gave me his hand—­I slew him!’

“‘Merciful God!’ she whispered in horror; ‘he was my husband!’

“The rainbow dissolved; the waterfall deluged the valley; the mountains were covered with waves; the skies grew pitchy dark; I saw nothing more.

* * * * *

“My sensations upon waking were those of a diver who has risen from the tranquil depths to the surface.  Hubbub recommenced; horror returned.  My hair was shaven close to my skull; my head ached dismally; I moved my hand with an effort, and my eyelids were so weak that I could not unseal them for a time.