“I do not know what to think. It was less like a dream than like a real visitation.” “Was the mysterious visitant like your mother?” “I repeat that I did not see the visitant at all. I felt her hand upon my forehead. I heard her voice in my ear. That was all. But I must say that though she called herself my mother, her hand felt much smaller, slenderer, softer and lighter than my poor mother’s hand, which was large and hard and roughened by coarse work; her voice also was fine and flute-like, whereas my dear mother’s voice was deep and strong. No! though I did not see my mysterious visitant, I perceived that she must have been a very opposite person to my own poor mother.” “Yet she said she was your mother, and her mother had somewhat to say to you.” “Yes, which is an inconsistency with fact; for my poor mother was an orphan from her youth.” “And she called you David Gryphyn.” “Yes, another inconsistency, since my name is David Lindsay—these two incoherencies favor the theory that my possible supernatural experience was nothing more than a very distinct dream; for you know dreams are notoriously incoherent.” “Yes, I know all that; but still, David Lindsay, I think there must be something more than a commonplace dream in what you have just told me. You have not heard from Dame Lindsay since we left ten days ago, have you?” “No. I wrote to her from Washington, and again from Staunton; but of course you know there has been no chance of hearing from her.” “And she is old and infirm. She may be ill or dying. David Lindsay, I hope you will set out and return to her as soon as possible.” “I shall leave here to-morrow. But, my dear lady, you should have some better protection here than your housekeeper and servants. Did you not tell me that Miss de Crespigney would be in Washington by the first of February?” “Yes. Why do you ask?” “Because I think she would be the most desirable companion that you could have here, and I think if she knew your condition she would come to you.” “Oh, yes! I know she would! Well thought of, David Lindsay! Aunt Agrippina was to have been in Washington this month. The month is nearly out now. After the commencement of Lent she will not care to stay in the city, as she never goes to any place of amusement during that season, so it will be no sacrifice on her part to leave Washington,” said Gloria, with animation. “Then as I go through the city, I will find out where her party is stopping, and call and see her.” “Yes, David Lindsay, and take a letter from me.” “If you wish.”