A Beleaguered City - Being a Narrative of Certain Recent Events in the City of Semur, in the Department of the Haute Bourgogne. A Story of the Seen and the Unseen by Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
page 79 of 135 (58%)
page 79 of 135 (58%)
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great shout, and I could not understand it; but as he came nearer the
words became distinct. 'Neither will they believe--though one rose from the dead.' As it passed a murmur went up from the city, like the voice of a great multitude. Then there came sudden silence. At this moment, for a time--M. le Maire will take my statement for what it is worth--I became unconscious of what passed further. Whether weariness overpowered me and I slept, as at the most terrible moment nature will demand to do, or if I fainted I cannot tell; but for a time I knew no more. When I came to myself, I was seated on the Cathedral steps with everything silent around me. From thence I rose up, moved by a will which was not mine, and was led softly across the Grande Rue, through the great square, with my face towards the Porte St. Lambert. I went steadily on without hesitation, never doubting that the gates would open to me, doubting nothing, though I had never attempted to withdraw from the city before. When I came to the gate I said not a word, nor any one to me; but the door rolled slowly open before me, and I was put forth into the morning light, into the shining of the sun. I have now said everything I had to say. The message I delivered was said through me, I can tell no more. Let me rest a little; figure to yourselves, I have known no night of rest, nor eaten a morsel of bread for--did you say it was but three days? M. LE MAIRE RESUMES HIS NARRATIVE. We re-entered by the door for foot-passengers which is by the side of the great Porte St. Lambert. I will not deny that my heart was, as one may say, in my throat. A man |
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