She had seen it, and why should not I?
Whatever it might be, my nerves could surely stand the shock as well as hers.

Besides, I was anxious to know the very worst; and if there was anything that could surpass in atrocity what I had already witnessed, it were better that I should not remain in ignorance of it.
So at length, leaving Almah, I returned to the hall of the feast.

I found there a vast multitude, which seemed to comprise the whole city--men, women, children, all were there.

Long tables were laid out.
The people were all standing an waiting.

A choir was singing plaintive strains that sounded like the chant of the sacrifice.