I cannot describe the state of my thoughts at that moment.
Surprise had mastered my faculties. My frame shook, and the vital
current was congealed. I was conscious only of the vehemence of my
sensations. This condition could not be lasting. Like a tide,
which suddenly mounts to an overwhelming height and then gradually
subsides, my confusion slowly gave place to order, and my tumults
to a calm. I was able to deliberate and move. I resumed my feet,
and advanced into the midst of the room. Upward, and behind, and
on each side, I threw penetrating glances. I was not satisfied
with one examination. He that hitherto refused to be seen might
change his purpose, and on the next survey be clearly
distinguishable.
Solitude imposes least restraint upon the fancy. Dark is less
fertile of images than the feeble luster of the moon. I was alone,
and the walls were checkered by shadowy forms. As the moon passed
behind a cloud and emerged, these shadows seemed to be endowed with
life, and to move. The apartment was open to the breeze, and the
curtain was occasionally blown from its ordinary position.
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