A dread sense of judgment was upon me.

But I was not afraid, for I had ceased to care for aught save the thing that must be done.
Suddenly it was midnight.

The muffled woman rose, turned toward the settle, and slowly unwound the long swathes that hid her face: they dropped on the ground, and she stepped over them.

The feet of the princess were toward the hearth; Mara went to her head, and turning, stood behind it.

Then I saw her face.