SEVENTEENTH PAPER

Whilst I was writing, my lamp faded, daylight appeared, and the clock of the chapel struck six.

*****

What can be the meaning of what has since happened? The turnkey on duty came into my cell; he took off his cap, bowed to me, apologized for disturbing me, and making an effort to soften his rough voice, inquired what I wished to have for my breakfast —

A shudder has come over me. Is it to take place to-day?