Mind--no port which clouds the intellect." "I have none left to cloud," I remarked after her.
Then I went back and sat by the fire feeling most miserable and staring at the decanters, for never in my life do I remember wanting a bottle of wine more.

The big clock ticked and ticked and at last chimed the quarter, jarring on my nerves in that great lonely banqueting hall.

Then I rose and crept upstairs like an evil-doer and it seemed to me that the servants in the hall looked on me with suspicion, as well they might.
I reached the museum and found it brilliantly lit, but empty except for the cheerful company of the two mummies who also appeared to regard me with gleaming but doubtful eyes.

So I sat down there in front of the fire, not even daring to smoke lest tobacco should complicate _Taduki_.
Presently I heard a low sound of laughter, looked up and nearly fell backwards, that is, metaphorically, for the chair prevented such a physical collapse.
It was not wonderful since before me, like a bride of ancient days adorned for her husband, stood the goddess Isis--white robes, feathered headdress, ancient bracelets, gold-studded sandals on bare feet, scented hair, ruby necklace and all the rest.

I stared, then there burst from me words which were the last I meant to say, "Great Heavens! how beautiful you are." "Am I ?" she asked.