Not a sign of life appeared, not a sound of a footstep was audible, not even an article of household use was to be seen.

The deserted suburbs rose without, like a wilderness; and this empty house looked within, like a sepulchre--void of corpses, and yet eloquent of death! There was an inexplicable fascination to the eyes of the Goth about this vault-like, solitary hall.

He stood motionless at its entrance, gazing dreamily at the gloomy prospect before him, until a strong gust of wind suddenly forced the outer door further backwards, and at the same moment admitted a larger stream of light.
The place was not empty.

In a corner of the hall, hitherto sunk in darkness, crouched a shadowy form.

It was enveloped in a dark garment, and huddled up into an indefinable and unfamiliar shape.