For a time I questioned whether these were not shapes and faces like that which I had seen at the bottom of the stairs, creatures of my fancy or airy existences.

My eye wandered from one to another, till at length it fell on a countenance which I well knew.

It was that of Mr.Hallet.This man was a distant kinsman of my mother, venerable for his age, his uprightness, and sagacity.

He had long discharged the functions of a magistrate and good citizen.

If any terrors remained, his presence was sufficient to dispel them.
He approached, took my hand with a compassionate air, and said in a low voice, "Where, my dear Clara, are your brother and sister ?" I made no answer, but pointed to the bed.