Page:The Necromancer, or, The Tale of the Black Forest Vol. 1.djvu/36

 solemn steps; I staggered back, and a chilly terror trembled through my frame. The apparition moved towards the table in awful silence. It took up my watch, looked at it, gave a hollow groan, and then laid it down again. I was thunderstruck. The phantom now moved slowly back, and I looked at its face as it was passing the table where the candle stood—Merciful heaven! how was I chilled with horror, when I beheld the features of my deceased mother! My knees shook, a cold sweat bedewed my face, and my strength forsook me."

"Meanwhile the apparition was come to the door, without having turned its face; it opened the latch gently, and, when on the threshhold, turned round, staring me in the face, with a ghastly look, and lifting up its emaciated hand, threatning three times in a horrible manner, and disappeared."

"I fell senseless back upon my couch, and when I could recollect myself again, I fan-