Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/84

 cloak at the house of the counsellor, he opened another room for me, placed a light in it, and discreetly retired, after having wished me good night. There was in this chamber a large mirror covered with a curtain. I placed the light in front of the glass, from which I drew aside the veil to contemplate the sorrowful figure that I thought I must make. But hardly had I fixed my eyes upon my own image, when it seemed to me that I saw a vague and floating figure come out from the distant perspective formed by the mirror, and advance towards me. Little by little this form became distinct, and I soon recognized the adored features of Julia. I could not restrain a cry of surprise and love. I held out my arms towards this apparition, calling out—"Julia! Julia!"

At this moment I heard behind me a prolonged sigh. I ran to the other end of the room, and drew aside quickly the curtain of the bed, when I perceived, plunged in a profound slumber, the little man in brown. From his breast, agitated by a heavy nightmare, escaped at intervals the name of a woman.

"Giulietta! Giulietta!" murmured he.

I felt a shudder; but taking courage, I rudely shook the little man, crying out to him—"Hallo, my friend, who the devil put you into my bed? Try, if you please, to seek for lodgings elsewhere."

The little man stretched himself, awoke slowly, and said to me—"Ah, thank you, sir? you have awakened me out of an unpleasant dream."

He appeared, whilst saying this, so depressed, that I took pity on him. I understood, besides, that the porter might have opened, by mistake, this chamber, rightly occupied, and that I should do wrong in disturbing the repose of its tenant.

"Sir," said the little man, leaning his elbow on the pillow, "my conduct at the inn must have appeared very absurd to you; but what can I do? I am under a cruel influence, which very often exposes me to commit a great deal of rudeness."