The dying Taper darted a blue and melancholy flame as the Figure advanced towards it.

Over the Table was fixed a small Clock; The hand of it was upon the stroke of three.

The Figure stopped opposite to the Clock: It raised its right arm, and pointed to the hour, at the same time looking earnestly upon Antonia, who waited for the conclusion of this scene, motionless and silent.
The figure remained in this posture for some moments.

The clock struck.
When the sound had ceased, the Stranger advanced yet a few steps nearer Antonia.
'Yet three days,' said a voice faint, hollow, and sepulchral; 'Yet three days, and we meet again!' Antonia shuddered at the words.
'We meet again ?' She pronounced at length with difficulty: 'Where shall we meet?
Whom shall I meet ?' The figure pointed to the ground with one hand, and with the other raised the Linen which covered its face.
'Almighty God! My Mother!' Antonia shrieked, and fell lifeless upon the floor.
Dame Jacintha who was at work in a neighbouring chamber, was alarmed by the cry: Flora was just gone down stairs to fetch fresh oil for the Lamp, by which they had been sitting.

Jacintha therefore hastened alone to Antonia's assistance, and great was her amazement to find her extended upon the floor.