Somnambulists see nothing but the object on which their attention is decidedly fixed; yet their perceptions of this object are ascertained to be much clearer and more vivid than when awake. If addressed, they will generally answer coherently, and as if they understood and heard; and it is possible to hold a very rational dialogue with a sleep-walker. But when awake, they have no recollection of any thing that has passed during the time of somnambulism.
Julia ventured to speak to Josephine in a low voice. "Well," said she, "my dear Josephine, you know now who it is that paints in the night at your pictures. You know that it is yourself. Do you hear me?"
"Yes."
"Does my presence disturb you?"
"No, Miss Julia."
"But to-morrow, Josephine, you will not believe what I shall tell you."
"Then it will be because I do not remember it."
"Will you write on this piece of paper something that I wish to dictate to you?"
"Most willingly."
Josephine then took up a lead pencil, and wrote these words as Julia prompted her:—