It is by some clever artifice that he whitens his beard to that snow-like hue.

He himself is young and strong.

He shows it in every movement." He certainly did, pacing to and fro with rapid strides; and presently he began to mutter words and phrases to himself, Cuthbert listening with all his ears.
"A curse upon the women!" he said more than once; "they are the very plague of my life! Miriam's besotted love, Joanna's suspicions and her accursed watch upon me, both hinder my plans.

If the twain were in league together, it could not be worse.

Miriam implores me with tears and lamentations to wait till she be laid in the tomb for the fulfilment of my cherished dream.