and always the same scene. Then I saw you at the Opera last week, and Sullivan introduced you as his cousin that he talks about sometimes. Did you notice that night that I behaved rather queerly?”

“Yes.” I spoke shortly.

“You are the man whom I saw in the crystal.”

“Really?” I ejaculated, smiling, or at least trying to smile. “And what is the scene of which I am part?”

“You are standing — But no!”

She abruptly ceased speaking and coughed, clearing her throat, and she fixed her large eyes on me. Outside I could hear the distant strain of the orchestra, and the various noises of a great crowd of people.