Had this change marked the approaching
return of his raving paroxysm, the lives of Numerian and Antonina would
have been sacrificed the next moment; but all that it now denoted was
the quickening of the lofty and obscure ideas of celebrity and success,
of priestly honour and influence, of the splendour and glory of the
gods, which had prompted his last words.
He moved suddenly, and drew the victims of his dangerous caprice a few
steps farther into the interior of the temple; then led them close up to
the lofty pile of objects which had first attracted Numerian's eyes on
entering the building. 'Kneel and adore!' cried the madman fiercely,
replacing his hands on their shoulders and pressing them to the
ground--'You stand before the gods, in the presence of their high
priest!'
The girl's head sank forward, and she hid her face in her hands; but her
father looked up tremblingly at the pile. His eyes had insensibly
become more accustomed to the dim light of the temple, and he now saw
more distinctly the objects composing the mass that rose above him.
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