“He continued to gaze upon me more and more fixedly. At length he said:—

“‘Do you know that everybody has a companion?’

“‘How—a companion?’

“‘Somebody incessantly with them, somebody they cannot see.’

“‘You believe in the theory of guardian angels?’

“‘I do not say these companions are always guardian angels. I see your companion now, as I look at you. His face is by your shoulder.’

“I started, and glanced hastily round; but, of course, could see nothing.

“‘Shall I describe him?’

“‘Yes,’ I said.

“'His face is dark, like yours; shaven, like yours. He has brown eyes, just as brown as yours are. His mouth and his chin are firm and small, as firm and small as yours.'