The enormous buttresses and lofty pinnacles of the central tower were tinged with the beams of the rising sun, and glowed as if built of porphyry.

While gazing at the summit of this tower, and calling to mind the magnificent view he had recently witnessed from it at the same hour, if a wish could have transported him thither at that moment, he would have enjoyed it again.

But as this could not be, he tried to summon before his mental vision the whole glorious prospect--the broad and shining river, with its moving or motionless craft--the gardens, the noble mansions, the warehouses, and mighty wharfs on its banks--London Bridge, with its enormous pile of habitations--the old and picturesque city, with its innumerable towers, and spires, and girdle of grey walls--the green fields and winding lanes leading to the lovely hills around it--all these objects arose obedient to his fancy, and came arrayed in colouring as fresh as that wherein they had before appeared to him.

While thus occupied, his gaze remained riveted on the summit of the central tower, and he fancied he perceived some one leaning over the balustrade; but as little beyond the upper part of the figure could be discerned, and as it appeared perfectly motionless, he could not be quite sure that his eyes did not deceive him.

Having gazed at the object for some minutes, during which it maintained the same attitude, he continued his survey of the pile, and became so excited by the sublime emotions inspired by the contemplation, as to be insensible to aught else.
After a while he arose, and was about to proceed towards the portico, when, chancing to look at the top of the tower, he remarked that the figure had disappeared, and while wondering who it could be, he perceived a person emerge from one of the tall windows in the lower part of the tower.