In the centre of this courtyard was a pool of still, black water, and at the head of the pool a chair of black marble." Sir Andrew paused, and Hugh said: "A plain place for a temple, Father, without adornments or images.

But perhaps this was the outer court, and the temple stood within." "Ay, son, the plainest temple that ever I saw, who have seen many in all lands, though what was beyond it I do not know.

And yet--terrible, terrible, terrible!--I tell you that those black walls and that black water were more fearsome to look on than any churchyard vault grim with bones, or a torture-pit where victims quiver out their souls midst shrieks and groanings.

And yet I could see nothing of which to be afraid, and hear nothing save that soughing of invisible wings whereof I have spoken.

An empty chair, a pool of water, some walls and doors, and, above, the quiet sky.