I figured to myself nothing but the helplessness of disease, or the insensibility of death.

These images only urged me to persist in endeavouring to obtain admission.

Without weighing the consequences of my act, I involuntarily lifted the latch.

The door yielded to my hand, and I put my feet within the passage.
Once more I paused.

The passage was of considerable extent, and at the end of it I perceived light as from a lamp or candle.