At that moment the voice of the singer, who performed Arbace, in the most pathetic tone, breathed out, "Sono Innocente," to which Artaserse replies: Ma l'apparenza O Arbace T'accusa ti condanna! A stifled sigh, almost amounting to a groan, from St. Aubyn, met the ear of Ellen. Recovering himself a little, he whispered--"Remember, Ellen, _and I too am innocent_!" In spite of the precaution with which he spoke, Lady Meredith turned, and asked him if he were unwell. "I have a violent head-ache," he replied, forcing himself to appear more composed. "You look pale, indeed, my Lord," returned Lady Meredith: "and Lady St. Aubyn seems quite overcome with this pathetic scene." She spoke of the opera, but a crimson flush spread over St. Aubyn's face, and complaining of the intolerable heat, he rose, and went out of the box. "Bless me!" said Lady Juliana: "what is the matter?" "Only Lord St. Aubyn complains of the head-ache," said Lady Meredith. "Oh, I know what it is," answered Lady Juliana: "my nephew hates to be disturbed when he is attending to music; and I suppose you, Lady Meredith, have been talking to him, as you always do at the Opera." Lady Meredith only laughed; and St. Aubyn returning soon after, nothing more passed. When the opera was over, and St. Aubyn and Ellen were alone in the carriage, he still appeared so restless and agitated, that Ellen could not resist addressing to him a few words, indicative of curiosity, if not of alarm. For a time he evaded her tender inquiries; but, at length, grasping her hands with an action expressive of the utmost emotion, he again repeated his former words: "Remember, Ellen, oh, remember that I too am innocent!" "I know it, I am sure of it," she returned: "but why thus confide by halves? Why torture yourself and me by these mysterious hints?" "Ah, why indeed!" said he: "I ought to have more command of myself: but that scene--that fatal instrument of a horrid deed!--Appearances how false, yet how convincing!" "To me," she replied, "appearances are not and never shall be any thing, when opposed to your single assertion, to my confidence in your integrity." "A thousand thousand thanks," he replied, "for the sweet assurance! Soon, too soon, perhaps, you will be tried!" "Demanding so much reliance, so much implicit _confidence_ from his wife, under such _mysterious_ conduct, was St. Aubyn willing, if called upon, to grant an equal share to her?" CHAP. VII. Think'st thou I'll make a life of jealousy, To follow still the changes of the moon With fresh surmises?--No; to be once in doubt Is to be resolv'd---- I'll see before I doubt; what I doubt prove. OTHELLO.