"Of course I could find no answer to all these old questions, which I had asked many times before. But this time, Bernard, my depression was more lasting, more overwhelming than usual. I grew terribly afraid of it. I thought I might be driven to suicide. One day a crisis seemed to come. I dared no longer remain alone, so I put on my hat and coat, took my stick, and hurried out, without any definite intention. I walked along Piccadilly, avoiding the glances of those whom I met. I fancied they could all read the agony, the degradation of my soul. I turned into Bond Street, and suddenly I felt a strong inclination to stop before a certain door. I obeyed the impulse, and my eyes fell on a brass plate, upon which was engraved these words:-- VANE. Clairvoyant. 11 till 4 daily. "I remember I read them several times over, and even repeated them in a whisper to myself. Why? I don't know. Then I turned away, and was about to resume my walk. But I could not. Again I stopped and read the legend on the brass plate. On the right-hand side of the door was an electric bell. I put my finger on it and pressed the button inwards. The door opened, and I walked, like a man in a dream, I think, up a flight of narrow stairs. At the top of them was a second door, at which a maidservant was standing. "'You want to see Mr Vane, sir?' "'Yes. Can I?' "'If you will come in, sir, I will see.' "She showed me into a commonplace, barely-furnished little room, and, after a short period of waiting, summoned me to another, in which stood a tall, dark youth, dressed in a gown rather like a college gown. He bowed to me, and I silently returned the salutation. The servant left us. Then he said:-- "'You wish me to exert my powers for you?' "'Yes.' "'Will you sit here?' "He motioned me to a seat beside a small round table, sat down opposite to me, and took my hand. After examining it through a glass, and telling my character fairly correctly by the lines in it, he laid the glass down and regarded me narrowly. "'You suffer terribly from depression,' he said. "'That is true.' "He continued to gaze upon me more and more fixedly. At length he said:-- "'Do you know that everybody has a companion?' "'How--a companion?' "'Somebody incessantly with them, somebody they cannot see.' "'You believe in the theory of guardian angels?' "'I do not say these companions are always guardian angels. I see your companion now, as I look at you. His face is by your shoulder.' "I started, and glanced hastily round; but, of course, could see nothing. "'Shall I describe him?' "'Yes,' I said. "'His face is dark, like yours; shaven, like yours. He has brown eyes, just as brown as yours are. His mouth and his chin are firm and small, as firm and small as yours.' "'He must be very like me.' "'He is. But there is a difference between you.' "'What is it?' "'His hair is cut more closely than yours, and part of it is shaved off.' "'He is a priest, then?'