as
usually happens to enthusiasts, so is it in this case; they do not find
in matrimony that transcendant felicity which they anticipated; a
slight discord takes possession of the tender cords of the nerves,
which impatiently look forward to new vibrations. The ugly, deformed
sister felt, like most persons of the sort, jealousy and envy against
the preferred, flattered, and fondled wife. She plainly showed her
indignation, and confessed that she hated the count. This amiable
conqueror of hearts now employed all his art to overcome this hatred.
He succeeded, and the poor deluded creature even fancied that she had
excited his affection, while his vanity exulted in the triumph. This
heartlessness could not but mortify and shock the unfortunate
Ernestine. An inward rage consumed her, she fell a victim to her
unfortunate passion; and, dying, she uttered the menace to persecute
them in every possible way. This is plainly madness. This madness, as
has often been observed, is hereditary, and relations, brothers,
sisters, and children, are seized with it whenever it is manifested in
a member of the family. So in the case of your friend. Perhaps the
affectionate count has not been quite silent on the subject to his
wife; and she, being already in a delicate state, has indulged these
fancies, and with anxious curiosity pursues the gloomy feelings
produced by her nerves. Thus, what is more natural than that she
should soon find an occasion on which she fancied she really saw her
sister? The fears of his wife were communicated to him, anguish of
mind at his misfortunes heated his imagination, and he also sees the
apparition. Thus they go on, until both have nearly destroyed
themselves by a mere phantom. If we can dissipate this phantom, they
may be restored to health."

"Dear doctor," I replied, "I know not whether I have a particular
propensity for superstition, but your reasons do not satisfy me. Much
that has been handed down, both by tradition and writing, on this
curious subject, cannot be mere fancy or invention, however much our
reason may be opposed to it. There are, no doubt, states of the mind
and of the nerves, as well as diseases, during which certain persons
see what is veiled from all others. What is spirit? What notions does
this word suggest? Do we know the nature, talent, or power, which
these millions of differently constituted souls possess, after having
shaken off their earthly frame? Do we k