But none of the emotions of terror, trustfulness, or affection, which
had alternately thrilled it in that position, did it now exhibit. The
bright eyes were closed, the beautiful features settled in lasting
repose. The glossy hair was daintily braided. The spotless garments
were gracefully disposed. The jewels glittered conspicuously, as if
relieved from the outvying lustre of her eyes. All, as in life, was
pure and perfect; and as in life, so in death, she was still a revelation
of transcendent beauty. A snowy winding-sheet, fringed with heavy
coins, alternately of gold and of silver, and looped with silken cords
on which bunches of the same precious metals hung as tassels, was so
disposed that he could enfold her in it without laying her from his
arms.
Stepping to the side of the vessel, he stood holding her thus in our
view for a few moments; then, deftly and deliberately as usual, he
wrapped the preciously weighted linen around her, stepped easily upon
the bulwark, and with that perfect and deliberate poise so peculiar
to him, and with his burden clasped firmly to his breast, he flung
himself far clear of the ship, into the ocean, and was seen no more.
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