“‘You think I am wandering in my mind,’ he broke out. ‘Stay here tonight—I command you, stay!—and see her as I have seen her.’
“I quieted him by promising to do what he had asked of me. He had still one more condition to insist on.
“‘I won’t be laughed at,’ he said. ‘Promise that you will not repeat to any living creature what I have just told you.’
“My promise satisfied him. He wearily closed his eyes. In a few minutes more his poor weak body was in peaceful repose.
“The day-nurse returned, and remained with us later than usual. Twilight melted into darkness. The room was obscurely lit by a shaded lamp, placed behind a screen that kept the sun out of the sick man’s eyes in the daytime.
“‘Are we alone?’ Beaucourt asked.
“‘Yes.’
“‘Watch the door.’
“‘Why?’
“‘You will see her on the threshold.’