The more-frequented roads were strictly watched and guarded, and none could pass along them without an order from the Council.

Turn which way he would, there appeared to be no avoiding the blow which hung over him.
Yet the old man never wavered in his resolution to part with life itself before he consented to what he regarded as his daughter's dishonour.
He was sitting alone one evening pondering deeply over his troubles, and searching vainly for some way out of them.

That morning had shown the figure 2 upon the wall of his house, and the next day would be the last of the allotted time.

What was to happen then?
All manner of vague and terrible fancies filled his imagination.

And his daughter--what was to become of her after he was gone?
Was there no escape from the invisible network which was drawn all round them.