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 ginations may very easily be duped by the same illusions: besides, there is nothing very unnatural in a door opening of its own accord.’

It ought to be closely shut now,’ replied I; without having the courage to do it.

Tis very easy to shut it,’ said my father. But he rose in visible apprehension, walked a few paces, and then returned, adding, ‘The door may remain open; for the room is too warm.’

“It is impossible for me to describe, even by comparison, the singular light I had perceived: and I do assure you, that if, instead of the light, I had seen my sister’s spirit enter, I should have opened my arms to receive it; for it was only the mysterious and vague appearance of this strange vision which caused me so much fear.

“The servants coming in at this instant with supper, put an end to the conversation.

“Time could not efface the remembrance of Seraphina; but it wore off all recollection of the last apparition. My daily intercourse with you, my friends, since the loss of Seraphina, has been for me a fortunate circumstance, and has insensibly become an indispensable habit. I no longer thought deeply of the prediction relative to our house, uttered by the phantom to my sister; and in the arms of friendship gave myself up entirely to