"What's the matter? Why did you all leave the table?"
Her companion, holding the lamp still near her eyes, then told her that
as she had gone into a trance the others had left the room, but he
mentioned nothing of any further experiences; and she, seeming none the
worse in any way, followed him into the outer room.
While looking round on the faces present I noticed that of a young man
who was a stranger to me. As the girl came forward a look of terror
passed over his features such as I had never seen before, and hope never
to see again. There was still more mystery, apparently, behind even the
late mysterious performance, and I began to wonder whether my friend's
motive for coming might not have something to do with the terrified face
before me.
Shortly after this, to every one's relief, the carriages began to be
announced. I asked Sydney if he were driving, and finding that he was
not, offered to take him with me.
"No," he replied, "let us both walk. I get too little exercise as it
is, and cannot afford to miss an opportunity."