during the whole night, I was acting over the story
which I had heard before I went to bed.

At about eight o'clock I awoke. The storm had long since passed away,
and the morning was bright and shining; my couch was so soft and
luxurious that I felt loth to quit it, so I lay some time, my eyes
wandering about the magnificent room to which fortune had conducted me in
so singular a manner; at last I heaved a sigh; I was thinking of my own
homeless condition, and imagining where I should find myself on the
following morning. Unwilling, however, to indulge in melancholy
thoughts, I sprang out of bed and proceeded to dress myself, and, whilst
dressing, I felt an irresistible inclination to touch the bed-post.

I finished dressing and left the room, feeling compelled, however, as I
left it, to touch the lintel of the door. Is it possible, thought I,
that from what I have lately heard the long-forgotten influence should
have possessed me again? but I will not give way to it; so I hurried down
stairs, resisting as I went a certain inclination which I occasionally
felt to touch the rail of the banister. I was presently upon the gravel
walk before the house: it was indeed a glorious morning. I stood for
some time observing the golden fish disporting in the waters of the pond,
and then strolled about amongst the noble trees of the park; the beauty
and freshness of the morning--for the air had been considerably cooled by
the late storm--soon enabled me to cast away the gloomy ideas which had
previously taken possession of my mind, and, after a stroll of about half
an hour, I returned towards the house in high spirits. It is true that
once I felt very much inclined to go and touch the leaves of a flowery
shrub which I saw at some distance, and had even moved two or three paces
towards it; but, bethinking myself, I manfully resisted the temptation.
"Begone!" I exclaimed, "ye sorceries, in which I formerly trusted--begone
for ever vagaries which I had almost forgotten; good luck is not to be
obtained, or bad averted, by magic touches; besides, two wizards in one
parish would be too much, in all conscience."

I returned to the house, and entered the library; breakfast was laid on
the table, and my friend was standing before the portrait which I have
already said hung above the mantel-piece; so intently was he occupied in
gazing at it that he did not hear me enter, nor was aware of my presence
till I advanced close to him and sp