"Then what made you ill?"
"I do not know."
"Think well, Merle. Tell me every sensation you remember."
"I cannot recall anything but a clutching sensation at my heart, as though some one had it in his hand, and tightened his hold until I could neither see nor hear, and a loud rumbling sounded in my ears."
"What caused these sensations? That is what I want to know. Tell me, Merle, did not the appearance of the woman evolve some painful recollection?"
"How could it? I did not see her. I do not know whether she was young or old, light or dark, large or small."
"I shall be obliged to put you into the trance state to find out the exact cause. You know, Merle, I never permit a result to elude me. Are you willing I should try to find the cause? I confess I am as ignorant of it as you."
"You know I am always willing to be of any assistance to you, and if I knew the cause, I would tell you more quickly than my own father, but I do not."
"Very well. Now sleep. Speak. Merle, are you all right?"
"Yes."