impression."

"I have never tested myself in that direction."

"Then we shall test you tonight. Might I ask you as a very great
favour, when you occupy that couch tonight, to sleep with this old
funnel placed by the side of your pillow?"

The request seemed to me a grotesque one; but I have myself, in my
complex nature, a hunger after all which is bizarre and fantastic. I
had not the faintest belief in Dacre's theory, nor any hopes for
success in such an experiment; yet it amused me that the experiment
should be made. Dacre, with great gravity, drew a small stand to the
head of my settee, and placed the funnel upon it. Then, after a short
conversation, he wished me good night and left me.

I sat for some little time smoking by the smouldering fire, and turning
over in my mind the curious incident which had occurred, and the
strange experience which might lie before me. Sceptical as I was, there
was something impressive in the assurance of Dacre's manner, and my
extraordinary surroundings, the huge room with the strange and often
sinister objects which were hung round it, struck solemnity into my
soul. Finally I undressed, and turning out the lamp, I lay down.
After long tossing I fell asleep. Let me try to describe as accurately
as I can the scene which came to me in my dreams. It stands out now in
my memory more clearly than anything which I have seen with my waking
eyes. There was a room which bore the appearance of a vault. Four
spandrels from the corners ran up to join a sharp, cup-shaped roof.
The architecture was rough, but very strong. It was evidently part of
a great building.

Three men in black, with curious, top-heavy, black velvet hats, sat in
a line upon a red-carpeted dais. Their faces were very solemn and sad.
On the left stood two long-gowned men with port-folios in their hands,
which seemed to be stuffed with papers. Upon the right, looking toward
me, was a small woman with blonde hair and singular, light-blue
eyes--the eyes of a child. She was past her first youth, but could not
yet be called middle-aged. Her figure was inclined to stoutness and her
bearing was proud and confident. Her face was pale, but serene. It
was a curious face, comely and yet feline, with a subtle suggestion of
cruelty about the straight, strong little mouth and chubby jaw. She was
draped in some sort of loose, white gown. Beside her stood a thin,
eager priest, who whispered in her ear, and continually rais