CHAPTER VII
THE COUNTESS'S ALBUM
The worthy Pastor Mahok was of opinion that the mystery of the countess's dress smelling so strongly of tobacco-smoke could not be accounted for by any law of Nature, and judged, therefore, by the light of his priestly office, as well as from his worldly experience, that these diabolical visions were matters worthy of deep consideration on his part. They occupied his mind during dinner, which he partook of in company with the countess's companion, but of the subject of his thoughts he spoke no word to her. They were alone at table. The countess remained in her room, as was her habit when she suffered from what was called "cramps," and her only refreshment was some light soup. After dinner she again sent for the pastor.
He found her lying on the sofa, pale and exhausted; her first words had reference to the subject which filled both their minds.
"Are you now convinced," she said, "that what I told you was, indeed, no dream?"
"Doubtless there has been some strange work going on."
"Is it the work, think you, of good or bad spirits?" asked the countess, raising her eyes.
"That can only be ascertained by a trial."
"What sort of a trial, holy father?"
"An attempt to exorcise them. If these spirits who every night leave their graves are good, they must, by the strength of the exorcism, return to their resting-places, and remain there till summoned by the angel's trumpet to arise on the last day."
"And in case they don't return?" inquired the countess, anxiously.