that the ghost in the chair was growing larger. The ghastly inhuman sneer on his thin widening lips assaulted me like a giant’s malediction. And the light in the room seemed to become more brilliant, till it was almost blinding with the dazzle of its whiteness. This went on for a time, and once more I pulled myself together, collected my scattering senses, and seized again the courage and determination which had nearly slipped from me.

But I knew that I must get away, out of sight of this moveless and diabolic figure, which did not speak, but which made known its commands by means of its eyes alone. “Resign her!” the eyes said. “Tear your love for her out of your heart! Swear that you will never see her again — or I will ruin you utterly, not only now, but forever more!”