"Would I could look forth from this dungeon," pursued Auriol, again breaking silence, "and satisfy myself of the truth or falsehood of my doubts by a view of the external world, for I am so perplexed in mind, that if I were not distracted already, they would be enough to drive me so. What dismal, terrible fancies have possessed me, and weigh upon me still--the compact with Rougemont--ha!" "Now it comes," cried the listener. "Oh, that I could shake off the conviction that this were not so--that my soul, though heavily laden, might still be saved! Oh, that I dared to hope this!" "I must interrupt him if he pursues this strain," said the listener. [Illustration: Rougemont's device to perplex Auriol.] "Whether my crimes are real or imaginary--whether I snatched the cup of immortality from my grandsire's dying lips--whether I signed a compact with the Fiend, and delivered him a victim on each tenth year--I cannot now know; but if it is so, I deeply, bitterly regret them, and would expiate my offences by a life of penance." At this moment Rougemont, attired in a dress similar to that of the prisoner, marched up the steps, and cried, "What ho, Auriol!--Auriol Darcy!" "Who speaks?" demanded Auriol. "Ah! is it you, Fiend?" "What, you are still in your old fancies," rejoined Rougemont. "I thought the draught I gave you last night would have amended you." "Tell me who and what I am," cried Auriol, stupefied with astonishment; "in what age I am living; and whether I am in my right mind or not?" "For the first, you are called Auriol Darcy," replied Rougemont; "for the second, you are living in the reign of his most Catholic Majesty James I. of England, and Sixth of Scotland; and for the third, I trust you will soon recover your reason." "Amazement!" cried Auriol, striking his brow with his clenched hand. "Then I _am_ mad." "It's plain your reason is returning, since you are conscious of your condition," replied Rougemont; "but calm yourself, you have been subject to raging frenzies." "And I have been shut up here for safety?" demanded Auriol. "Precisely," observed the other. "And you are----" "Your keeper," replied Rougemont. "My God! what a brain mine must be!" cried Auriol. "Answer me one question--Is there such a person as Ebba Thorneycroft?" "You have often raved about her," replied Rougemont. "But she is a mere creature of the imagination." Auriol groaned, and sank against the wall. "Since you have become so reasonable, you shall again go forth into the world," said Rougemont; "but the first essay must be made at night, for fear of attracting observation. I will come to you again a few hours hence. Farewell for the present." And casting a sinister glance at his captive, he turned upon his heel, descended the steps, and quitted the cell. CHAPTER VI DOCTOR LAMB AGAIN