From the golden brightness, displayed by them at noon, they have changed to a lurid red—as if there was anger in the sky!
It is but an accident of the atmosphere—the portent of an approaching storm.
For all this, it is remarked as singular, that a storm should be coming at the time: since it symbolises the sentiment of the spectators, who look on with sullenness in their hearts, and gloom in their glances.
It would seem as if Heaven’s wrath was acting in concert with the passions of Earth!
Maurice Gerald is no longer the cynosure of those scowling eyes. He has been clamorously acquitted, and is henceforth only one of the witnesses.
In the place late occupied by him another stands. Cassius Calhoun is now the prisoner at the bar!
This is the only change observable.
The judge is the same, the jury the same, and the spectators as before; though with very different feelings in regard to the criminality of the accused.
His guilt is no longer the question that is being considered.
It has been established beyond the shadow of a doubt. The evidence is already before them; and though entirely circumstantial—as in most cases of murder—the circumstances form a chain irresistibly conclusive and complete.