ut it
will not happen in my presence, as I shall have my quick eyes
everywhere. By these means our patients will gain confidence and
tranquillity, and by a daily repetition, and the use of stronger
remedies we shall cure their wild fancies."

"And if not?" I replied, with anxious doubt.

"Well then, by heavens!" he replied, with a loud laugh, "if I, without
having previously taken too much, see any thing, then--"

"Then?"

"Then, baron, you shall call me a fool, which, viewed in the proper
light, we are all by nature."

Thus we parted, and it required much persuasion to prevail upon my
afflicted friend to consent to our experiment. His wife, to my
astonishment was more easily persuaded. She said, not without reason,
"I feel it, my life is drawing to a close, all help is vain, the nearer
death is, the better. So much the better if a new terror can crush me
like a stroke of lightning. And if the event which I anticipate does
not take place, then my last days will at least be free from this fear
and anxious horror; I shall be able to amuse and divert myself, and it
remains in the hand of Omnipotence whether I and my husband shall have
further hope of recovery."

The third day was fixed upon for music, and a late hour in the evening
was appointed, because the countess, like most persons suffering from
fever felt it strongest at that time, and would thereby shorten the
night, as she seldom slept till morning. An instrument had been placed
in the room; more lights than were required were burning, and the
adjoining chamber likewise was brilliantly lighted, in order that no
doubtful shadow might be produced in the dark. Besides the easy chair
and sofa in the sitting-room, there was a couch, on which the countess
reposed in the day. The piano was placed against the wall, between two
windows, looking over the garden and some vineyards beyond. After tea,
the door being locked, the waiter and servant were dismissed; no one
remained but the countess's attendant, a strong young woman, whom we
begged to keep up her spirits.

The countess took her seat at the instrument. The doctor stood beside
her, in order to observe her, as well as to overlook both rooms, while
I sat and stood alternately on the other side. Francis, in his
morning-gown and slippers, walked slowly up and down behind us, and the
attendant leaned against the open chamber-door.

At first the countess played faintly, uncertainly, and timidly. But by