DURING the recent September my husband and I went for a motoring tour
in Scotland. The weather was wonderful, and I had never felt better
in my life. Towards the end of our week we made for a certain hotel
in the Highlands, where my husband hoped to have some dancing.
At the close of a perfect day—from every point of view—we neared our
destination. On entering the hotel I became conscious at once of an
extraordinary sensation which I can only describe as a soul chill!
This remained with me as we went to our room to dress for dinner.
After that meal my husband went to the ballroom and I, who do not
dance, cowered over the fire in the lounge and tried to get warm.
Telling myself that I had caught a chill, I sought out my husband and
told him I was retiring. He decided to remain until the dancing was
over.
The instant I got into my bedroom I was seized by a sensation of
appalling panic. I saw nothing, but I was perfectly aware that the
small room was filled with uncanny and evil beings!
I undressed and got into bed, but the obsession became too terrible
to be endured. I endeavoured to make the Sign of the Cross, but found
that I could not raise my hands. I then fell on my knees and tried to
pray, but I could not; even to utter the Divine name was an
impossibility.
This seems cold written down as it is, but words fail to describe the
awful atmosphere. I can only say that the room was crowded to
overflowing with some evil presence.
I could stand no more; I put on a dressing-gown and went in search of
my husband. I found that he had foregathered with some men he had
known during the War. He was angry at the interruption, but, as soon
as he saw my distress, he at once came to my room.
His presence seemed to help me somewhat, but all that night I tossed
about, sleeping only to dream the most awful dreams. In the morning
my husband, believing that I had caught a chill, wished to get a
doctor, but I knew that my ailment was not physical.
We went out for a long day trip, and no sooner was I out of the house
than I became perfectly normal.
Some of my fears returned as I came back that evening, but as we were
going south in the morning, I made up my mind to brave it out. The
second night was not quite so bad, probably because my husband, who
was now rather infected by the condition, remained with me. I did not
sleep at all; the whole night through I was aware that the evil thing
was crouching and waiting to spring upon me.
We left the place immediately after an early breakfast next day.
My only sensation when about half a mile from the place was as if I
had had a serious illness—intense weakness both of mind and body.
I have never seen a ghost, but I have felt things more than once. I
am very psychic. I have told this story to several people, and the
only explanation offered has been that something must have happened
in the hotel or in that particular room. This explanation does not
satisfy me. I want to know why it is that when we drove up to that
beautiful place in the majestic scenery of the Highlands my soul
seemed to shiver and to shudder within me.