Auriol was lost in reflection, and did not observe a sign that passed between the dwarf and Rougemont. "Will it disturb Doctor Lamb if his grandson goes up to him?" said the latter, after a brief pause. "My master does not like to be interrupted in his operations, as you know, sir," replied the dwarf, "and seldom suffers any one, except myself, to enter his laboratory; but I will make so bold as to introduce Master Auriol, if he desires it." "You will confer the greatest favour on me by doing so," cried Auriol, rising. "Sit down--sit down!" said Rougemont authoritatively. "You cannot go up till the doctor has been apprised. Remain here, while Flapdragon and I ascertain his wishes." So saying, he quitted the chamber by a farther outlet with the dwarf. During the short time that Auriol was left alone, he found it vain to attempt to settle his thoughts, or to convince himself that he was not labouring under some strange delusion. He was aroused at length by the dwarf, who returned alone. "Your grandsire will see you," said the mannikin. "One word before we go," cried Auriol, seizing his arm. "Saints! how you frighten me!" exclaimed the dwarf. "You must keep composed, or I dare not take you to my master." "Pardon me," replied Auriol; "I meant not to alarm you. Where is the person who brought me hither?" "What, your keeper?" said the dwarf. "Oh, he is within call. He will come to you anon. Now follow me." And taking up the torch, he led the way out of the chamber. Mounting a spiral staircase, apparently within a turret, they came to a door, which being opened by Flapdragon, disclosed a scene that well-nigh stupefied Auriol. It was the laboratory precisely as he had seen it above two centuries ago. The floor was strewn with alchemical implements--the table was covered with mystic parchments inscribed with cabalistic characters--the furnace stood in the corner--crucibles and cucurbites decorated the chimney-board--the sphere and brazen lamp hung from the ceiling--the skeletons grinned from behind the chimney-corner--all was there as he had seen it before! There also was Doctor Lamb, in his loose gown of sable silk, with a square black cap upon his venerable head, and his snowy beard streaming to his girdle. The old man's gaze was fixed upon a crucible placed upon the furnace, and he was occupied in working the bellows. He moved his head as Auriol entered the chamber, and the features became visible. It was a face never to be forgotten. "Come in, grandson," said the old man kindly. "Come in, and close the door after you. The draught affects the furnace--my Athanor, as we adepts term it. So you are better, your keeper tells me--much better." "Are you indeed living?" cried Auriol, rushing wildly towards him, and attempting to take his hand. "Off--off!" cried the old man, drawing back as if alarmed. "You disturb my operations. Keep him calm, Flapdragon, or take him hence. He may do me a mischief."