His face wore a more beautiful and
roseat glow than was native to its complexion. His eye was full of
animation and expressiveness. Expectation, and hope, and dignity, and
resolution had their entire effect in his appearance. "It is a celestial
spirit!" cried they. "It is a messenger from the unseen regions!" and
they sought in his person for the insignia that might confirm and
establish their conjecture.
But such was not the imagination of Roderic. The master-guilt to which
he was conscious, was ever ready to take the alarm upon any unexpected
event; and he had immediately conjectured, by a kind of instinctive
impression, who was this new and unwelcome guest. However unguarded and
unprepared had been his retinue, they had recollected themselves
sufficiently to detain Edwin in the avenue of the mansion, till they had
received the orders of their lord. These were immediately communicated;
and the magician withdrew himself till the proper period should arrive
for his appearance to the swain.
Edwin, when he had entered the palace of Roderic, had been desirous, if
it were possible, to push forward to the presence of his rival, without
making any previous enquiries, or admitting of a moment's pause. The
frequency however of the domestics had disappointed his purpose, and he
was detained by them in spite of his efforts.
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