I tell you, you unregenerated son of iniquity, it is naught save the faith of the elect, the prayer of the redeemed, which overcomes the wiles of the Devil, and relieves the children of God from his snares." It was useless arguing with the fanatic; yet much of my previous superstitious terror at our unwelcome visitant had already vanished, there growing upon my mind a firm conviction that the apparition was not a denizen of the sulphurous regions of the damned, but was composed of flesh and blood, even as ourselves.

I think Madame had been awake through the greater part of the commotion, as I noted her stir slightly even when De Noyan first informed me of the strange presence.

Yet she spoke not a word.

Realizing her judgment was ever clearer than that of either of my male companions, I turned to awaken her to some expression.
"And do you also, Madame, believe that we have been honored by a visit from His Satanic Majesty in person ?" I asked, wondering as I spoke that she should appear so undisturbed in midst of our turmoil.
"It would be less terrifying to me could I so believe," she replied gravely, her eyes questioning my face, as if to read therein what answer I desired.

"I have that about my person," and I marked that her fingers toyed with the beads of a rosary at her throat, "which would protect me from his touch." "What then did you make of that fantastic figure?
I was so gravely startled myself by the apparition I saw double, scarcely retaining sufficient strength for the uplifting of a hand.