"The reason I described it so minutely," remarked Calbot, "was that I got a notion into my head that it had something to do with what happened afterwards, and the reason of that notion is, that almost from the very moment that Edna took the necklace--I clasped it round her neck myself--the strange awful influence--visitation--call it what you like--began to be apparent. "Oh Drayton, you can never know how lovely, how divine she looked that evening. She had on what they call, I believe, a demi-toilette; open at the throat, you know, and half the arm showing. No woman could have looked more beautiful than she, before I put on the chain and locket; yet when they were on, she looked as handsome again. It was really wonderful--the effect they had. Her eyes deepened, and an indescribable change or modulation--imperceptible, very likely, to anyone beside myself, her lover--came over her face. I think it was a shade of sadness--of mystery--no, I can only repeat, that it was indescribable; but it gave her beauty just the touch that made it, humanly speaking, perfect. I daresay this is all very tiresome to you, Drayton, but I can't help it!" "Oh, go on, my dear fellow," said I warmly; for, indeed, I was moved as well as excited. "Won't you sit down? Here, take my chair!" But he would not. "As I fastened the clasp, I said: 'You are fettered for ever now, Edna!' and she said, with her eyes sparkling: 'Yes, I am the thrall of the locket; the giver may lead me in triumph where he will!' Just as the words passed her lips, Drayton, I felt a sensation of coldness and depression; I gave an involuntary shudder, and looking quickly in Edna's eyes, I saw there the very reflection of my own feeling! We were alone, and yet there seemed to be a third person present--cold, hateful, malevolent. He seemed to be between us--to be pressing us irresistibly apart; and I felt powerless to contend against the insidious influence; and so was she. For an instant or two we gazed fearfully and strangely at each other; then she said faintly: 'Come to me--take me!' and half held out her arms, her face and lips all pale. Drayton, I cannot tell you what a desperate struggle I had with myself then! My whole soul leapt out towards her with a passion such as I had never known before; and yet my body seemed paralysed. I had felt something similar to it in dreams before then; but the dream pain was nothing to the real pain. A cold dead hand was on my heart, dragging it backward, deadening it; and another at my throat, stifling me. But I fought against it--it seemed to me I sweated drops of blood--but I overcame. I put my arm round her waist--I kissed her; and yet, though I seemed to hold her--though our lips seemed to meet--still that Thing was between us--we did not really touch each other! With all our love, we were like lifeless clay to one another's caress. It was a mockery--our souls could meet no more." Here Calbot covered his eyes with his hand for a short time.