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 to influence the councils of rulers and the affairs of nations by such shallow contrivances ? See here ! '' `` Stay yet a while , '' said the selectman as Hutchinson again snatched the pen ; `` for if ever mortal man received a warning from a tormented soul , Your Honor is that man . '' `` Away ! '' answered Hutchinson , fiercely . `` Though yonder senseless picture cried ` Forbear ! ' it should not move me ! '' Casting a scowl of defiance at the pictured face -- which seemed at that moment to intensify the horror of its miserable and wicked look -- he scrawled on the paper , in characters that betokened it a deed of desperation , the name of Thomas Hutchinson . Then , it is said , he shuddered , as if that signature had granted away his salvation . `` It is done , '' said he , and placed his hand upon his brow . `` May Heaven forgive the deed ! '' said the soft , sad accents of Alice Vane , like the voice of a good spirit flitting away .
When morning came , there was a stifled whisper through the household , and spreading thence about the town , XXXXX the dark mysterious picture had started from the wall and spoken face to face with Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson .
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