At last I found myself alone in the library, awaiting her as on previous days, but without any impatience whatever. Far from it, I felt a lively satisfaction in sinking into a revery. The weather was admirable; the sun kissed the trees and the blooming grounds beyond the large masses of transparent shadows that were projected by the architecture of the chateau on the nearest flowerbeds. I walked from one end of this vast hall to the other, stopping each time that I found myself before the fountain. The windows were closed and the curtains drawn on account of the heat. These curtains were of a soft shade of blue that I tried to imagine green, and in this artificial twilight which somewhat recalled that of my vision, I experienced an incredible sensation of happiness, and a species of delirious gayety.
I was talking aloud, and laughing without being aware of any cause, when I felt some one seize me rather roughly by the arm. I turned around and saw Madame d’Ionis, who had come in without my observing her.
“Come, answer me, look at me at least,” said she with some impatience. “Are you aware that you frighten me, and that I no longer know what to think of you?”
“You have your wish,” I answered, “I have tampered with my reason, I have become insane. But do not reproach yourself on that account; I am much happier thus, and do not wish to be cured.”
“So,” said she, scrutinizing me anxiously, “this apparition is not then an absurd story? At least, you think—you have seen it produced?”
“Better than I see you at this moment.”
“Don’t affect such an air of stupid pride—I do not doubt your words. Tell me all about it quietly.”
“No, never! I implore you do not question me. I cannot, I do not wish to answer.”
“Really the society of ghosts does not seem to agree with you, my dear sir, and you will make me think that you have heard some singularly flattering things, for you are as proud and discreet as a fortunate lover.”
“Ah! what do you say, madame?” I cried, “No love is possible between two beings separated by the abyss of a tomb. But you know not of what you speak, you believe in nothing, you ridicule everything.”