I suddenly realized that my face was dripping with perspiration, and I mopped it feverishly with my handkerchief.
"I would never have believed," I began stammeringly; "I never thought—why, it's a miracle—it's—"
"Yes, a miracle," repeated Mrs. Magnus. "Though there have been many instances of the dead returning."
"Have there?" I asked. "Well, of course, I have heard of them, but I never thought them worthy of belief. But now—"
We had reached the foot of the stairs, and I got my coat down from the rack and struggled into it. I found that I had mechanically picked up my bag as I left the room overhead.
"I want to thank you, Mr. Lester," said Mrs. Magnus, facing me, "for coming here to-night. You have been of the greatest help to me."
"Certainly," I agreed. "Very happy—a great privilege."
I felt that I was talking nonsense, but what, in Heaven's name, is a man to say who has just been through an experience like that? But Mrs. Magnus seemed to understand.
"Thank you," she said, and gave me her hand. Then she opened the street door, and a moment later I found myself groping my way down the steps. Once down, I paused for a deep breath; then I started up the street. But I had scarcely taken a dozen steps when a hand fell upon my arm and drew me into the shadow of a doorway.