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 still as death; he looked fearfully round the room, the gloom seemed increased, the tapers burnt more dimly, horror took possession of his soul; the groan was not a chimera, not the illusion of fancy; but from whence could it proceed, for it seemed very near to him? Again he turned his eyes to the bed, busy imagination, agitated spirits, and unsteady eyes, made him conceive the lips moved; overcome with every sensation that terror, panting expectation, and trembling apprehension, could inspire, he sunk again on his knees, attempted to speak, to look, but the words died on his lips, and involuntarily he hid his face by the side of the pall. Almost instantly a low and hollow voice pronounced the words "Pardon and peace!" He heard the words distinctly, attempted to rise, but with a faint shriek fell senseless on the floor!

On his recovery, he found himself supported in the anti-chamber by Ernest and a maid-servant; the voice still seemed to vibrate in his ears; he looked earnestly from