shattered. I have never seen it, and my nerves are, I think, in
tolerable order. If I sleep in your room to-night--"

"It may not visit you."

"It may not, but on the other hand it may. I have a curiosity to lie on
that bed and to face that wardrobe in the wall. You must yield to my
wishes, Sir Henry."

"But how can the knowledge of this arrangement be kept from my wife?"

"Easily enough. You will both go to your rooms as usual. You will bid
her good-night as usual, and after the doors of communication are closed
I will enter the room and you will go to mine, or to any other that you
like to occupy. You say your wife never comes into your room during the
hours of the night?"

"She has never yet done so."

"She will not to-night. Should she by any chance call for assistance, I
will immediately summon you."

It was very evident that Sir Henry did not like this arrangement. He
yielded, however, to my very strong persuasions, which almost took the
form of commands, for I saw that I could do nothing unless I got
complete mastery over the man.

Lady Studley returned from her drive just as our arrangements were fully
made. I had not a moment during all the day to examine the interior of
the wardrobe. The sick woman's restlessness grew greater as the hours