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 to come at the appointed time. Pardon me for not giving you my hand—my arms are fastened behind me."

Then, seeing his movement towards her, she laughed constrainedly and said:

"No, no, don't be alarmed! You needn't unfasten me. It's all necessary—it's what he wishes. His night has come once more. Sit down here beside me."

"Whom do you mean?" asked Kragaef, sitting down beside her and speaking cautiously and in wonder.

"My husband," answered she quietly. "To-day is the anniversary of his death. He died just at this hour, and every year on this night and at this moment I give myself up to his power. Every year he chooses some one into whom he sends his spirit, and he comes to me and tortures me for hours. He cannot be restrained. He goes away, and I am free till the following year. This time he has chosen you. But I can see that you are astounded—you are ready to think that I am mad."

"Pardon me, Irene Vladimirovna," Kragaef was beginning to say.

The lady stopped him with a slight movement of her head, and said:

"No, I'm not out of my mind. Listen!