No sooner had he spoken than Alice Vane glided from her station , and , pressing one hand across her eyes , with the other snatched away the sable curtain that concealed the portrait . An exclamation of surprise burst from every beholder , but the lieutenant-governor 's voice had a tone of horror . `` By Heaven ! '' said he , in a low inward murmur , speaking rather to himself than to those around him ; `` if the spirit of Edward Randolph were to appear among us from the place of torment , he could not wear more of the terrors of hell upon his face . '' `` For some wise end , '' said the aged selectman , solemnly , `` hath Providence scattered away the mist of years that had so long hid this dreadful effigy . Until this hour no living man hath seen what we behold . '' Within the antique frame which so recently had enclosed a sable waste of canvas now appeared a visible picture-still dark , indeed , in its hues and shadings , but thrown forward in strong relief . It was a half-length figure of a gentleman in a rich but very old-fashioned dress of embroidered velvet , with a broad ruff and a beard , and wearing a hat the brim of which overshadowed his forehead . Beneath this cloud the eyes had a peculiar glare which was almost lifelike . The whole portrait started so distinctly out of the background that it had the effect of a person looking down from the wall at the astonished and awe-stricken spectators . The expression of the face , if any words can convey an idea of it , was that of a wretch detected in some hideous guilt and exposed to the bitter hatred and laughter and withering scorn of a vast surrounding multitude . There was the struggle of defiance , beaten down and overwhelmed by the crushing weight of ignominy . The torture of the soul had come forth upon the countenance . It seemed as if the picture , while hidden behind the cloud of immemorial years , had been all the time acquiring an intenser depth and darkness of expression , till now it gloomed forth again and threw its evil omen over the present hour . Such , if the wild legend may be credited , was the portrait of Edward Randolph as he appeared when a people 's curse had wrought its influence upon his nature . '' ` Twould drive me mad , that awful face , '' said Hutchinson , who seemed fascinated by the contemplation of it . `` Be warned , then , '' whispered Alice . `` He trampled on a people 's rights . Behold his punishment , and avoid a crime like his . '' The lieutenant-governor actually trembled for an instant , but , exerting his energy -- which was not , however , his most characteristic feature -- he strove to shake off the spell of Randolph 's countenance .
`` Girl , '' cried he , laughing bitterly , as he turned to Alice , `` have you brought hither your painter 's art , your Italian spirit of intrigue , your tricks of stage-effect , and think XXXXX influence the councils of rulers and the affairs of nations by such shallow contrivances ?
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