That is not the case, far from it. I have just lived it again, and with more reality as I told the story, and some mysterious power or other has sometimes forced me to put in a word or phrase against my own intentions. I have failed in my aim. I must try to forget this nightmare, and suppress even trifles that might make me think of it. I must sell Fonval and all the furniture. I must live, live in my own personality--however ridiculous, foolish or extravagant the original may be--independent, and without suggestions, and free--free from memories. Those abominations, I swear, are now crossing my brain for the last time. I write this down to heighten the solemnity of my oath. And you, you criminal manuscript, you, who would perpetuate beings and facts when I should refuse to admit that they have existed--into the fire with you, “Dr. Lerne”!-- Into the fire...! THE END TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. Archaic or alternate spelling which may have been in use at the time of publication has been retained. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of New Bodies for Old, by Maurice Renard