My heart sank under a dread beyond words, under a grief beyond tears. The darkness closed round the pilgrim at the marble tomb⁠—closed round the veiled woman from the grave⁠—closed round the dreamer who looked on them. I saw and heard no more.

I was aroused by a hand laid on my shoulder. It was Laura’s.

She had dropped on her knees by the side of the sofa. Her face was flushed and agitated, and her eyes met mine in a wild bewildered manner. I started the instant I saw her.

“What has happened?” I asked. “What has frightened you?”