“Doctor, there has been an accident. An automobile accident. Your parents——”

“Are they at the hospital?”

“Yes, doctor.”

“Are they——”

“Better come out, sir,” said the night. I rang off.


... What are you doing now? Mrs. Lansdowne’s voice.

... Your will, what is it touching? The horror of Doctor Stein.


A train was pulling out. I caught it. I had no sense other than this full immersion in the night. And in consummation. And all of it still a Threshold.... A taxi rushed me to the hospital. A tall interne with gentle eyes came to me.