"Is mine," said the phantom, wringing his hands.

"I see several things continually impending. I observe that
whenever an accident, a murder, or death is about to happen, there
is something in the furniture, in the locality, in the atmosphere,
that foreshadows and suggests it years in advance. I cannot say
that in real life I have noticed it,--the perception of this
surprising fact belongs--"

"To me!" said the phantom. The Haunted Man continued, in a
despairing tone:--

"I see the influence of this in the magazines and daily papers; I
see weak imitators rise up and enfeeble the world with senseless
formula. I am getting tired of it. It won't do, Charles! it won't
do!" and the Haunted Man buried his head in his hands and groaned.
The figure looked down upon him sternly: the portrait in the
frontispiece frowned as he gazed.

"Wretched man," said the phantom, "and how have these things
affected you?"

"Once I laughed and cried, but then I was younger. Now, I would
forget them if I could."

"Have then your wish. And take this with you, man whom I renounce.
From this day henceforth you shall live with those whom I displace.
Without forgetting me, 't will be your lot to walk through life as
if we had not met. But first you shall survey these scenes that